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PHILANTHROPIC   SOCIETY 


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Form  No.  471 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS 


1  BRYAN  GR 


TO   HIS    WIFE, 

WRITTEN  WHILE  IN  ACTIVE  SERVICE  IN  THE  ARMY 
OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA. 

TOGETHER    WITH 

SOME  PERSONAL  RECOLLECTIONS  OF  THE  WAR, 

WRITTEN    RY    HIM    AFTER    ITS    CLOSE,   ETC. 


COMPILED   FROM   ORIGINAL   MANUSCRIPTS 

Bv  PULASKI  COWPER, 

OF  RALEIGH,  N.  C. 


RALEIGH,  N.  C.  : 
Edwards,   Broughton  &  Co.,  Steam  Printers  and  Binde 
1883. 


PREFACE 


The  matter  contained  in  the  succeeding  pages 
was  never  intended  for  publication.  It  represents  a 
short  sketch  of  incidents,  and  participation  in  the  late 
war,  by  the  late  Major-General  Brvan  Grimes, 
and  extracts  from  letters  to  his  wife,  written  from 
the  camp,  and  on  the  fields  of  battle,  and  such  other 
matters  of  record  and  interest  as  have  seemed  to 
me  fit  and  proper  to  be  inserted  therein. 

General  Grimes  had  for  years  after  the  sur- 
render determined  to  write  out  his  recollections  of 
the  war,  solely  for  the  benefit,  pleasure  and  curiosity 
of  his  children  and  their  posterity,  to  be  read  in 
after  years,  with  no  view  whatever  of  their  publica- 
tion, but  simply  to  be  kept  as  a  matter  of  record  in 
his  family.  He  had  commenced  this  work,  as  shown 
in  his  original  manuscript,  and,  as  far  as  executed, 
it  is  printed  in  the  following  pages. 

In  his  letters  to  his  wife,  he  gave  briefly  an 
account  of  what  almost  daily  transpired,  and  being 
written  on  those  respective  days,  was  fresh  in 
his    recollecti'on,   and    may  be    received    as    strictly 


4  PREFACE. 

authentic.  His  known  integrity  and  truthfulness 
will  need  no  corroboration  of  what  he  has  written 
or  related. 

These  sketches  and  incidents  demonstrate  the 
character,  honor  and  chivalry — the  obligation  of 
duty,  and  love  of  country,  of  a  true  citizen  and  a 
brave  soldier.  They  present  a  truthful  and  impar- 
tial history,  and  will  be  read  with  interest  and  grati- 
fication by  his  friends  and  surviving  comrades  in 
war,  and  with  this  view  they  are  thus  publicly  pre- 
sented. 

It  will  be  observed  that  in  one  or  two  places  dis- 
connected notes  appear,  indicating  clearly  his  inten- 
tion to  refer  to  them  at  some  other  time,  and  to 
extend  more  fully  their  subject  matter.  I  have 
thought  proper  to  have  them  printed  just  as  they 
appear,  and  as  they  are  written  in  the  original  man-- 
uscript. 

It  Vv'ill  also  be  seen  that  mention  has  been  once 
or  twice  made  of  his  horse  "  Warren."  His  affec- 
tion for  this  animal  was  very  great.  He  had  been 
released  from  all  work  since  the  war,  except  now 
and  then  his  own  occasional  riding,  and  the  best 
attention  had  been  given  him.  I  have  frequently 
heard  him  say,  that  however  much  he  might  need 
the  money,  he  would  not  part  with  him   for  thou- 


PREFACE.  5 

sands  of  dollars  in  gold.  This  old  war  horse  died 
only  a  few  weeks  ago,  at  the  age  of  twenty-eight, 
and  in  accordance  with  the  General's  known  wishes, 
was  buried  as  carefully  and  as  decently  as  a  human 
being  near  the  spot  where  his  dead  master  now 
rests. 

Major-General  Bryan  Grimes  was  born  in 
the  county  of  Pitt,  on  the  south  side  of  Tar  River, 
about  eight  miles  from  the  town  of  Washington,  N. 
C,  on  the  2nd  day  of  November,  1828.  He  received 
a  o-ood  academical  education,  and  entered  Chapel 
Hill  in  June,  1844,  and  graduated  in  June,  1848.  In 
about  a  year  after  leaving  college,  his  father  gave 
him  the  plantation  upon  which  he  lived  up  to  the 
time  of  his  death,  and  whereon  his  family  now  re- 
side. He  had  no  desire  for  political  life,  and  with 
the  exception  of  the  few  days  he  was  a  member  of 
the  Convention  of  1 861— known  as  the  Secession 
Convention — he  led  the  quiet  life  of  a  farmer,  com- 
bining industry  and  good  judgment,  from  his  early 
manhood  to  the  close  of  his  life. 

He  was  on  the  9th  day  of  April,  185 1,  married 
to  Miss  Elizabeth  Hilliard,  daughter  of  Dr.  Thomas 
Davis,  of  Franklin  county,  who  died  on  the  7th 
day  of  November,  1857.  The  only  living  issue  of 
this  marriage  is  a  daughter,  the  wife  of  Samuel  F. 


6  PREFACE. 

Mordecai,  Esq.,  of  Raleigh,  N.  C.  On  the  15th 
day  of  September,  1863,  he  was  again  married  to 
Miss  Charlotte  Emily,  daughter  of  the  late  Hon. 
John  H.  Bryan,  of  Raleigh,  N.  C,  who  with  eight 
children  now  survives  him. 

My  relations  to  GENERAL  Grimes  forbid  me  to 
speak  in  such  extended  terms  of  praise  as  my  feel- 
ings would  dictate  to  speak  of  one  of  the  truest  and 
bravest  of  men.  For  honesty  of  purpose — for  de- 
votion to  principle — for  firmness  of  friendship — for 
honor  in  all  things — for  truthfulness  in  all  things — 
for  faithfulness  to  all  promises  and  obligations,  and 
for  true,  genuine  courage,  he  stood  on  the  day  of 
his  death  the  peer  of  any  living  human  being. 

On  Saturday  evening  of  the  14th  of  August, 
1880,  while  returning  from  the  town  of  Washington, 
when  at  Bear  Creek,  within  two  miles  of  his  home, 
he  was,  just  at  sut-set,  shot  from  an  ambush  by  a 
concealed  assassin,  and  almost  instantly  killed.  A 
little  boy,  about  ten  years  old,  a  neighbor's  son,  was 
his  only  companion,  to  whom  he  said,  "  I  am  shot 
and  will  die,"  and  immediately  thereafter  fell  slowly 
to  the  foot  of  the  buggy  and  expired.  Several 
buck-shot  struck  the  ribs  and  the  top  of  the  buggy, 
but  only  one  shot  took  effect  on  his  person,  which 


PREFACE.  7 

passed  through  the  thick  part  of  his  left  arm,  and 
lodged  deep  in  the  heart. 

That  evening's  sun,  just  sinking  into  darkness, 
left  its  frowning  shadows  upon  this  terrible  deed. 
Its  morning  rays  fell  upon  a  household  saddened 
by  afifliction,  and  saw  the  mother  and  her  children 
still  bending  over  the  lifeless  form.  Its  midday 
brightness,  on  the  succeeding  day,  rested  upon  the 
large  and  solemn  assemblage  gathered  at  the  home- 
stead to  render  the  last  and  only  tribute  of  respect 
and  affection.  The  end  was  soon  over,  and  the 
tomb  received  all  that  remained  of  him  who  would 
have  made  any  sacrifice  to  maintain  his  honor,  and 
who  did  freely  peril  his  life  for  his  State  and  for  his 
section. 

The  rounded  mound  marks  now,  and  will  con- 
tinue to  mark,  the  resting  place  of  one  who,  in  life, 
bore  the  type  of  God's  highest  creation — the  attri- 
bute of  a  Creator's  mightiest  perfection, 

"  An  honest  man  the  noblest  work  of  God." 

To  the  living  and  the  dead  of  the  Fourth  Regi- 
ment of  North  Carolina  State  Troops,  who  so  gal- 
lantly served  the  Confederacy  in  the  Army  of 
Northern  Virginia,  the  following  lines  are  fitly  dedi- 
cated. 

PULASKI  COWPER. 

Raleigh,  N.  C,  April  (^th,  1883. 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES, 


An  account  of  his  own  recollections  of  the  \\%ir,  and  a  brief  account 
in  part  of  his  own  participation  therein,  by  the  late  Major-Gen- 
ERAL  Bryan  Grimes,  taken  from  his  original  manuscript. — Ex- 
tracts taken  from  letters  to  his  wife  from  the  fields  of  battle. — 
His  own  account  of  the  last  fight  at  Appomattox. — General  Or- 
ders.— Reports. — Other  interesting  matter,  &c.,  &c. 

I  returned  from  Europe  in  the  middle  of  the 
great  political  excitement  over  the  election  of  Lin- 
coln to  the  presidency,  and  about  the  time  of  the 
secession  of  South  Carolina  from  the  Union,  and 
became  deeply  interested  in  the  action  of  the  South  ; 
and  upon  the  bombardment  of  Sumpter  by  Beaure- 
gard, had  gone  down  there  for  the  purpose  of  wit- 
nessing the  fight,  but  was  too  late  to  see  the  capitu- 
lation. 

Thence  I  went  to  Montgomery,  the  then  seat 
of  government,  and  from  there  to  Pensacola,  to 
witness  the  threatened  attack  of  Bragg  at  that 
point.  After  remaining  there  a  few  days,  and  seeing 
no   prospect   of   the   bombardment,    I   visited   New 


lO  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

Orleans,  and  came  up  the  Mississippi  river  to  Ten- 
nessee, and  was  on  the  train  with  the  first  troops 
sent  from  Alabama  to  Richmond,  and  happened  to 
occupy  a  seat  immediately  in  front  of  Andrew 
Johnson,  afterwards  President  of  the  United  States, 
and  then  heard  the  first  groans  given  in  contempt 
of  his  treachery  to  the  South,  which  wires  repeated 
at  every  station,  Vhen  it  was  made  known  that  he 
was  on  board  the  train. 

On  returning  home  to  North  Carolina,  I  found 
myself  a  candidate  for  the  Convention  which  had 
been  called  by  the  Legislature  during  my  absence, 
to  v\'hich  Convention  I  was  elected  without  oppo- 
sition. The  election  was  on  the  13th  May,  and  I 
proceeded  at  once  to  Raleigh,  and  signed  the  Ordi- 
nance of  Secession  on  the  20th  May,  1861,  and 
whilst  a  member  advocated  the  most  extensive  war 
measures.  In  a  short  time  after  the  organization  of 
the  ten  regiments  of  "  State  Troops"  raised  for,  and 
by  request  of  the  Confederate  government,  I  was 
offered  by  Gov.  Ellis  the  Lieutenant-Colonelcy  of 
the  8th  Regiment,  or  the  majority  of  the  2nd  Cav- 
alry, or  majority  of  the  4th  Regiment,  which  latter 
I  accepted.  I  felt  my  deficiency  of  a  knowledge  of 
military  tactics,  and  Col.  Geo.  B.  Anderson,  a  grad- 
uate of  West  Point,  was  Colonel  of  the  4th  Infantry, 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  n 

whilst  the  others  were  officered  by  inexperienced 
civilians  like  myself,  and  I  preferred  a  subordinate 
position  with  an  efficient  officer,  to  higher  rank  with 
officers  without  experience.  In  consequence  of  this 
appointment  I  resigned  my  seat  in  the  Convention 
and  revisited  my  home  for  three  days  to  arrange  my 
business  matters,  and  then  reported  to  the  com- 
manding officer  of  my  regiment,  which  was  organ- 
izing at  camp,  near  Garysburg,  where  the  regiment 
remained  drilling  until  ordered  forward,  July  20th, 
1861,  to  Richmond,  to  be  in  supporting  distance 
to  be  called  to  Manassas  in  case  of  need,  and  ar- 
rived at  Manassas  29th  July,  1861,  a  few  days  after 
Bull  Run  and  Manassas  fights,  when  the  change  of 
habits  induced  a  serious  attack  of  sickness. 

I  received  permission  to  visit  the  Bull  Run 
mountains  to  recuperate.  After  a  short  absence  I 
returned  to  my  command,  and  remained  with  the 
regiment  until  the  evacuation  of  Manassas  under 
Gen.  Jos.  E.  Johnston  in  March,  1862,  then  in  com- 
mand of  my  regiment,  as  Col.  Anderson  was  in 
command  of  the  post  of  Manassas  and  the  troops 
in  that  section.  ^  Camped  on  Clark's  mountain,  near 
the  Rapidan  river,  until  April  8th,  when  the  com- 
mand was  ordered  to  Yorktow^n,  which  point  was 
reached  on  the  9th.     Accompanied  Col.  Anderson 


12  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

when  he  reported  to  Gen.  Rains  for  duty,  and  after 
assignment  to  certain  posts,  civilian  like  suggested 
to  Gen.  Rains  that  the  regiment  be  not  divided  for 
duty  as  he  instructed,  but  kept  intact,  and  a  smaller 
regiment  placed  where  these  posts  were  intended, 
not  wishing  to  be  left  in  separate  command,  the 
Lieutenant-Colonel  being  absent. 

Here  for  the  first  time  I  became  acquainted  with 
the  fire  of  the  enemy  and  was  assigned  the  post  of 
commander  of  the  picket  line  which  I  sustained 
until  the  evacuation  on  the  night  of  the  3rd  of  May, 
when  I  was  left  in  charge  of  the  picket  line  of  in- 
fantry, with  instructions  to  keep  up  as  usual  the 
firing  throughout  the  night,  and  retire  about  dawn, 
which  was  very  perilous,  as  torpedoes  had  been 
planted  on  all  the  roads  and  streets  leading  into 
Yorktown,  and  my  picket  had  to  be  kept  outside  of 
the  enemy's  fire.  About  the  middle  of  the  day  I 
regained  my  command,  and  encamped  with  them 
near  Williamsburg  for  the  night,  and  next  day  asked 
leave  of  absence  to  visit  the  venerable  institution, 
"  William  and  Mary's  College,"  during  which  visit 
the  fight  commenced,  and  carried  off  by  the  excite- 
ment, I  followed  the  sounds  of  strife  until  in  the 
midst  of  the  battle,  and  never  realized  my  danger 
until    I    saw   several    officers    and   couriers   of  Gen. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  13 

Johnston  killed,  thinking  that  there  was  no  great 
danger  so  long  as  I  was  no  nearer  the  strife  than  the 
commanding  General,  it  then  being  a  prevalent  idea, 
which  was  afterwards  exploded  on  our  side,  that  the 
General  officers  never  occupied  posts  of  danger. 
Seeing  the  flag  of  my  regiment  advancing,  I  rode  up 
to  go  in  with  it  and  remarked  to  Col.  Anderson,  "  I 
hope  you  have  not  required  my  services."  And 
then  in  the  only  severe  and  abrupt  manner  used  to- 
wards me  before  or  after,  I  was  informed  that  my 
conduct  was  unmilitary,  and  my  proper  position  was 
with  my  regiment. 

The  participation  of  the  4th  Regiment  in  this 
battle  was  slight,  and  the  Brigade  Commander  being 
placed  in  command  of  the  field  of  battle,  the  com- 
mand of  the  Brigade  devolved  upon  Col.  Anderson 
and  that  of  the  regiment  upon  me,  when  Col.  An- 
derson remarked  that  he  would  take  advantage  of 
my  knowledge  of  the  field  of  battle,  I  having  been 
present  during  most  of  the  engagement  and  knew 
the  localities,  and  thus  riding  over  the  field  we  con- 
tinued together  until  near  daylight,  when  we  were 
withdrawn.  This  night,  though  in  May,  was  one  of 
the  most  disagreeable  of  my  army  experience,  a 
heavy  penetrating  mist,  nearly  freezing  the  men  to 
the  bone,  w^ien  all  w^ould  huddle  together  for  the 


H 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


mutual  warmth  of  their  bodies,  and  when  my  horse 
became  the  centre  for  the  regiment,  around  which 
they  collected,  the  first  few  attracted  by  the  animal 
heat  from  the  horse's  body,  until  they  formed  a  com- 
plete mass  of  men. 

From  thence  the  army  retired  slowly,  but  always 
on  the  alert,  to  the  Chicahominy  river.  While  there 
by  an  alarm  of  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  the 
tents  were  all  struck  and  wagons  sent  toward  Rich- 
mond, leaving  the  army  tentless  and  comfortless  in 
the  midst  of  a  cold  drizzling  rain,  when  taking  pos- 
session of  a  rice-tierce,  or  hogshead,  which  I 
shared  with  Col.  Anderson,  I  became  perhaps  the 
most  comfortable  of  all  that  host,  as  all  comfort 
goes  by  comparison. 

I  was  then  ordered  with  the  regiment  near  Rich- 
mond, and  ordered  to  report  to  Gen.  Garland,  Col. 
Anderson  being  in  temporary  command  of  Feather- 
stone's  Brigade,  and  withdrawn  and  returned  to  Col. 
Anderson  in  time  to  participate  in  the  battle  of 
Seven  Pines  on  May  31st,  1862,  which  engagement 
I  entered  into  with  25  officers  and  520  non-com- 
missioned officers  and  privates.  All  the  officers 
were  killed  or  wounded  except  myself,  with  462 
men  killed  and  wounded.  I  attacked  the  fort  and 
redoubt  where  my  horse's  head  was  blown  off,  and 


MATOR-GENEKAL  BRYAN  GRIMES. 


5 


falling  so  suddenl}'  as  to  catch  m)-  foot  and  leg 
under  the  horse.  The  regiment  seeing  me  fall,  sup- 
posed I  was  killed  or  wounded,  and  began  to  falter 
and  waver,  when  I,  still  penned  to  the  earth  by  the 
weight  of  my  horse,  waved  my  sword  and  shouted 
forward  !  forward  !  Whereupon  some  of  my  men 
came  to  my  assistance  and  pulled  the  horse  off, 
when  seeing  the  flag  upon  the  ground,  the  flag- 
bearer  and  all  the  color-guard  being  killed  or 
wounded,  I  grasped  it  and  called  upon  them  to 
charge  !  which  they  did,  and  together  with  others 
captured  the  fortifications.  Here  John  Stikeleather, 
from  Iredell,  (Company  K,  4th  N.  C.  State  Troops), 
came  up  and  requested  to  be  allowed  to  become  the 
standard-bearer,  promising  to  bear  it  with  credit  to 
himself  and  the  regiment  so  long  as  strength  and 
life  lasted.  After  a  few  moments  the  enemy  began 
to  rally  in  rear  of  their  tents,  and  upon  my  calling 
Gen.  Garland's  attention  to  the  fact,  I  was  ordered 
by  him  in  Col.  Anderson's  absence,  to  take  pos- 
session of  a  wood  near  by,  and  begin  firing  upon 
them.  In  double-quicking  across  an  open  space  of 
arable  land  to  get  to  the  cover  of  these  woods,  I 
perceived  that  the  enemy  were  engaged  in  throwing 
up  an  earthwork  to  my  right,  when  giving  the  com- 
mand by  the  right  flank  I  charged  the  works  taking 


1 6  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

many  prisoners,  and  fired  upon  the  enemy  for  the 
remainder  of  the  day.  That  night  I  slept  between 
Gen.  Garland  and  Col.  Anderson  on  one  horse- 
blanket  and  covered  by  another,  surrounded  by  dead 
and  wounded,  both  men  and  animals. 

The  next  day  was  not  actively  engaged,  but  re- 
tired that  night,  the  enemy  having  been  heavily  re- 
inforced. From  then  until  the  26th  of  June  there 
were  daily  skirmishes  along  the  lines,  when  on  that 
day  we  passed  the  Chicahominy,  near  Mechanics- 
ville,  and  although  not  actively  engaged,  was  held 
under  terrific  infantry  fire,  and  commanded  to  sup- 
port other  troops  and  artillery,  and  remained  in  that 
position  until  near  daylight,  when  we  were  ordered 
off  to  report  to  Gen.  Hill  by  his  special  orders. 
Whereupon  he  directed  me  to  "  charge  that  battery," 
which  was  the  only  obstacle  on  the  road  to  Cold 
Harbor.  Whereupon  I  asked  Gen.  Hill  if  he  was 
aware  that  I  had  no  officers,  and  only  about  sixty 
men,  when  I  was  told  to  hold  myself  in  readiness  to 
charge,  if  others  who  were  ordered  forward  a  second 
time  failed  to  take  it.  I  deployed  my  men  on  the 
line  and  instructed  them  to  fire  upon  any  of  these 
troops  who  failed  to  move  forward  to  the  charge. 
They  were  then  successful  but  found  other  impedi- 
ments further  on,  whereupon  Gen.  Hill  determined 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRLMES.  17 

to  accomplish  his  purpose  without  further  sacrifice 
of  life,  and  by  a  circuitous  route  caused  them  to 
abandon  their  position,  and  then  marched  us  down 
to  near  Cold  Harbor,  where  we  again  found  the 
enemy  in  our  front,  whereupon  Gen.  Hill,  seeing  a 
battery  and  not  being  positive  whether  they  were 
Jackson's  men  expected  at  that  point  or  the  enemy, 
ordered  a  flag  forward  to  be  waved,  when  I  took  the 
flag  of  the  4th  regiment  and  galloped  my  horse  to- 
wards the  battery,  when  they  opened  with  the  whole 
battery  on  the  line  in  column,  in  my  rear,  and  here 
I  was  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  long  continuous 
line  of  battle  and  kept  the  enemy  in  check,  until 
late  in  the  afternoon  there  came  an  order  to  charge  ! 
and  forward  they  went.  My  horse  was  killed 
and  I  continued  on  foot,  driving  the  enemy  from 
his  breastworks  through  their  camps,  taking  their 
artillery  and  supplying  myself  with  another  horse. 
Here  I  captured  a  fine  St.  Bernard  dog,  which  was 
protecting  the  corpse  of  a  Colonel  of  a  Pennsyl- 
vania regiment,  who  upon  inspection  was  found  to 
have  on  steel  breast  plates,  which  had  protected  him 
so  long  as  .his  face  was  to  the  fire,  but  upon  retreat- 
ing had  received  a  mortal  wound  in  the  rear. 

This   dog   (''  General ")  became  the  pet  of  the 
regiment,  and  remained  with  it  for  over  two  years, 


l8  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

when  in  pursuit  of  Hunter  in  the  Valley  of  Vir- 
ginia in  1 864  he  succumbed  to  the  hard  marching, 
broke  down  and  was  lost,  not  having  the  endurance 
of  men.  That  night  heard  the  rumbling  of  wagons 
and  artillery  and  the  tramp  of  troops,  until  in  the 
morning  it  was  found  that  the  enemy  had  crossed 
the  Chickahominy.  Here,  for  the  first  time,  I  had 
the  honor  of  being  introduced  to  the  great  Jackson, 
and  I  now  have  the  mess-chest  upon  which  he  joined 
us  at  dinner,  dining  from  the  contents  of  a  sutler's 
wagon  captured  the  day  previous. 

Crossed  the  river  at  Grapevine  bridge  and  pur- 
sued the  enemy  as  far  as  the  White  Oak,  when 
against  the  consent  and  protest  of  Gen.  Anderson, 
who  had  been  made  Brigadier,  1  was  detailed  by 
Gen.  Hill  to  take  charge  of  the  captured  stores  and 
prisoners,  and  report  at  Richmond  with  them.  Gen. 
Anderson  saying  "  that  although  small  in  numbers 
Colonel  Grimes  and  regiment  is  the  keystone  of  my 
brigade."  I  remained  around  Richmond  until  about 
the  middle  of  July,  when  an  attack  of  typhoid  fever 
compelled  me  to  visit  Raleigh  and  recruit  my  health. 
My  visit  home  was  of  short  duration,  returning  in 
time  to  the  army  to  take  a  part  in  the  first  invasion 
of  Maryland  and  the  battles  previous  to  the  crossing 
of  the  Potomac. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  ig 

I  recall  the  circumstance  near  Savage  Station  of  a 
man  perfectly  rigid  in  death,  with  his  musket  up  to 
his  face,  and  in  the  act  of  taking  aim  ;  burning  of 
the  trains — pile  of  metallic  cofifins — Catholic  Priests — 
a  Federal  soldier  claiming  exceptional  kindness  on 
account  of  his  being  a  native  of  North  Carolina,  &c. 
My  command  did  not  participate  much  in  the  bat- 
tle of  Second  Manassas,  but  were  in  the  field  and 
assisted  in  driving  the  enemy  beyond  Centreville, 
when  the  line  of  march  was  taken  up  for  Maryland, 
and  reached  Leesburg  4th  September,  and  on  the 
5th,  when  crossing  the  Potomac  at  White's  Point, 
near  Edwards'  Ferry,  I  received  a  very  severe  hurt 
from  the  kick  of  a  horse,  which  incapacitated  me 
from  active  duty,  not  being  able  to  either  walk  or 
ride,  but  had  myself  carried  in  an  ambulance  in  an- 
ticipation and  hopes  of  a  speedy  recovery.  Here 
we  were  encamped  near  Frederick  City  for  several 
days,  and  then  moved  up  to  the  vicinity  of  Hagers- 
town.  On  the  14th  of  September  the  command 
was  called  upon  to  proceed  down  the  turnpike  to 
Middletown,  near  the  pass  over  South  Mountain, 
when  seeing  an  engagement  with  the  enemy  was  in- 
evitable, I  had  myself  placed  upon  my  horse  and 
took  the  command  of  my  regiment,  and  was  first 
sent  with  the  command  to  the  left  of  the  turnpike, 


20  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

and  subsequently  withdrawn  and  ordered  with 
another  regiment  to  proceed  to  the  assistance  of 
Gen.  Garland,  then  engaged  on  the  right.  In  ad- 
vancing was  met  by  the  corpse  of  that  gallant  officer 
being  brought  off  the  field.  Here  the  fight  con- 
tinued all  day.  Here  my  horse  was  killed  under  me 
on  the  mountain  and  to  my  own  and  the  surprise  of 
my  command  I  commanded  my  troops  in  the  battle 
until  nightfall,  when  I  threw  myself  down  to  rest 
by  my  brigade  commander,  Gen.  G.  B.  Anderson, 
who  seeing  me  so  exhausted  after  the  excitement  of 
the  day,  insisted  upon  my  going  to  the  rear,  and 
called  up  four  litter  bearers  and  had  me  carried  to 
the  hospital,  upon  reaching  which  I  encountered  a 
new  danger,  as  the  enemy  were  threatening  the 
wagon  trains,  and  in  consequence  as  a  matter  of 
safety  the  wounded  who  were  able  to  be  moved 
without  danger  were  ordered  to  be  transported 
across  the  Potomac  at  Williamsport,  where  a  few  of 
the  enemy's  cavalry  intercepted  a  portion  of  the 
train  and  turned  them  down  the  wrong  road,  and 
had  by  this  means  secured  very  many  of  our 
wagons  and  ambulances,  before  the  trick  was  dis- 
covered, and  then  there  were  not  more  than  half  a 
dozen  wagons  intervening  between  the  wagon  car- 
rying me  and  the  road  which   led  into  the  enemy's 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  2 1 

lines.     Together  with  others  of  the  wounded  and* 
wagoners  the  enemy  were  driven  off  and  I  was  safely- 
landed  once  again  on  Virginia  soil,  having  crossed 
the  river  near  Williamsport. 

The  next  two  days  kept  with  the  train  and  was 
carried  to  Shepardstown  where  I  remained,  being 
unable  to  report  to  my  command,  which  was  then 
engaged  in  battle  at  Boonsboro,  where  my  friend 
and  mess-mate.  Gen.  G.  B.  Anderson,  received  the 
wound  from  which  he  subsequently  died  after  re- 
turning home.  The  regiment  with  Gen.  D.  H.  Hill's 
command  went  into  quarters  on  the  Opequon,  near 

Bunker's  Hill,  in county,  I  having  to  be  sent 

to  Winchester  on  account  of  the  serious  nature  of 
the  injury  to  my  leg,  as  amputation  began  seriously 
to  be  talked  of.  Here  and  at  camp  I  remained 
until  in  November,  and  would  have  asked  for  a  fur- 
lough but  for  the  ride,  &c. 

I  reported  for  duty  though  not  recovered  (and 
still  have  an  indentation  in  the  bone  from  the  in- 
jury), when  Gen.  Hill  relieved  Col.  Cristie,  who  had 
been  assigned  to  the  command  of  Anderson's 
Brigade,  and  put  me  in  charge. 

[Here  follow  notes  just  as  they  appear  in  the  orig- 
inal manuscript.] 


22  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

(Notes. — Railroad  at  Charlestown  near  Harper's 
Ferry — Berryville,  Shenandoah,  Paris,  Fisher's  Gap, 
Reily,  Madison  C.  H.,  Guiness  Station — Dec.  ist — 
Dec.  3rd — Port  Royal  20  miles  below  Fredericks- 
burg— Dec.  13th — night  of  14th  placed  in  front 
line — dead  horses — request  not  to  be  relieved — 
bunching  horses — Hedge — cries  of  wounded — saw 
enemy  retreating  eventually — informed  Gen.  Hill — 
said  mistake — freezing — Gen.  Jackson  coming  up — 
sent  forward  to  see  where  the  enemy  were — look  of 
disappointment  and  chagrin — in  the  matter  of  flag — 
relieved  of  brigade  command  by  Brig.-Gen.  Ram- 
sour — left  Fredericksburg  in  command  of  4th  N. 
C.  at  peep  o'  day  May  ist — detailed  and  deployed 
as  skirmishers — Jackson — "  Press  Them  "  ! — Creek — 
lines  encountered  on  hill  where  the  enemy  were  en- 
trenched, and  on  flank  May  2nd — Rodes  in  front  at- 
tacked the  enemy  commanded  by  Siegel  in  person.) 

The  command  was  reorganized  and  perfected  in 
drill  and  then  assigned  to  destroy  the  Baltimore  and 
Ohio  railroad  from  Charlestown,  the  site  of  the  ex- 
ecution of  the  notorious  Kansas  Ruffian,  John 
Brown,  who  was  executed  at  this  point  within  two 
miles  of  Harper's  Ferry.  The  work  was  done 
effectually  at  night  by  tearing  up  the  cross-ties  and 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  23 

putting  them  in  large  piles  of  twenty  to  thirty,  and 
then  crossing  the  iron  rails  over  them  and  piling  a 
few  ties  on  top  of  each  end  of  the  rails,  and  just 
before  day-light  setting  fire  to  them — the  whole  at 
once — the  fire  so  warping  the  rails  as  to  unfit  them 
for  use. 
<      We  were    then    encamped    for  some   time   near 

Berryville  until crossed  the  Potomac  after 

the  removal  of  McClellan  from  command,  when  we 
crossed  the  Shenandoah,  breaking  ice  for  the  passage 
of  the  men,  who  had  to  wade  one  bitter  cold  day 
over  the  river  to  meet  the  enemy  who  were  reported 
as  advancing  on  Paris.  Here,  for  the  first  time, 
General  R.  E.  Rodes,  one  of  the  bravest  and  best 
officers  of  the  Confederate  army,  took  temporary 
charge  of  the  division  which  subsequently  became 
so  distinguished  as  "  Rodes  Division  "  in  the  history 
of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia.  Here  occurred 
a  misunderstanding  between  Gen.  Rodes  and  my- 
self, which  continued  until  the  spring  of  1864,  and 
then  ended  by  a  gentlemanly  and  chivalrous  action 
on  the  part  of  Gen.  Rodes.  The  circumstances 
were  as  follows  :  Not  knowing  that  Gen.  Rodes  was 
in  command  of  the  Division,  and  supposing  that 
Gen.  Rodes  like  myself  was  in  sole  command  of  his 
own  brigade,  came  up  when  the  troops  were  cross- 


24  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

ing  the  river,  and  expressing  my  opinion  to  Gen. 
Rodes  as  to  the  severity  of  the  order  forbidding  the 
men  to  remove  their  pants,  or  shoes,  which  I  thought 
ought  to  be  done  so  as  to  enable  the  men  to  be  dry 
after  crossing,  when  the  exercise  would  in  a  short 
time  warm  them  up.  Gen.  Rodes  said  in  a  sharp  tone 
he  saw  nothing  hard  in  the  order  and  that  I  had 
better  go  to  the  river  and  see  it  obeyed,  that  he  was 
in  command  of  the  division,  and  the  order  emanated 
from  him.  The  order  was  reluctantly  obeyed,  and 
after  crossing  the  Shenandoah,  as  the  men  had 
necessarily  straggled  out  of  ranks,  I  ordered  a  tem- 
porary halt  to  enable  the  troops  of  my  command  to 
close  up  and  recover  their  proper  position  in  line. 
In  the  meantime  Gen.  Rodes  riding  to  the  front, 
upon  seeing  me,  asked  why  I  disregarded  Gen. 
Jackson's  order.  No.  — ,  requiring  the  arms  to  be 
stacked  at  all  halts.  The  explanation  was  given 
and  the  men  ordered  to  stack  arms.  Gen.  Rodes 
then  instructed  me  to  await  where  I  was  and  allow 
the  artillery  to  pass  him.  Hour  after  hour  passed, 
and  no  artillery  came  up.  Finally  Gen.  Rodes  sent 
a  courier  to  know  what  detained  me.  I  sent  word 
to  him  that  I  was  waiting  for  the  artillery.  He 
then  sent  back  ordering  me  forward.  Upon  reach- 
ing the  small  town  of  Paris,  about  two  miles  distant, 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  25 

as  I  approached  Gen.  Rodes  was  standing  on  the 
piazza  of  the  hotel,  and  enquired  in  a  very  cross 
manner,  "  What  has  kept  you  so  long?"  My  reply 
was,  "  Obeying  your  order."  ''  What  was  that 
order?"  *' To  let  the  artillery  pass  me."  ''When 
you  saw  that  no  artillery  came  up,  you  should  have 
come  on,  as  the  enemy  are  advancing."  I  replied, 
''  You  had  just  reproved  me  for  not  obeying  Gen- 
eral Order  No.  — ,  and  if  you  had  not  counter- 
manded your  order  to  await  the  arrival  of  the  artil- 
lery, I  should  have  remained  there  until  Gen.  Hill 
resumed  command."  He  then  placed  himself  by 
my  side,  and  went  on  to  place  the  command  in  posi- 
tion and  said,  ''  Halt  your  men  here."  "  When  I 
give  the  command  '  Order  arms '  preparatory  to 
stacking  arms,"  he  said,  ''you  need  not  stack  arms." 
My  reply  was,  "  It  is  Gen.  Jackson's  order,  and  you 
have  just  reproved  me  for  its  violation,  and  I  shall 
do  it."  He  then  ordered  us  forward  about  a  mile 
to  await  the  advance  of  the  enemy.  We  had  sev- 
eral slight  skirmishes  with  the  enemy's  cavalry,  and 
then  marched  parallel  with  the  Federal  troops  across 
the  mountain  at  Fisher's  Gap,  thence  down  near 
Madison  C.  H.  to  Orange  C.  H.,  and  thence  down 
the  plank  road  to  Guiness  Station,  which  we  reached 
on  the  1st  of  December,  1862,  and  on  the  3rd  were 


26  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

moved  to  Port  Royal,  twenty  miles  below  Fred- 
ericksburg, where  we  had  the  first  snow  of  any 
depth  of  the  winter,  and  remained  here  protecting 
the  river  until  the  night  of  the  I2th,  when  the  enemy 
effected  a  crossing  at  Fredericksburg,  and  we  were 
marched  all  night,  and  reached  Hamilton  Crossing 
about  day,  and  were  placed  in  the  reserve  on  the 
extreme  right  of  Jackson's  line,  and  consequently 
the  right  of  the  Confederate  forces,  where  we  suf- 
fered considerably  from  the  artillery  of  the  enemy. 
Towards  the  evening  of  the  13th,  when  the  first 
charge  by  the  Federal  troops  was  made,  the  brigade 
was  moved  forward  to  support  the  troops  in  the 
trenches,  and  took  the  front  line.  The  cries  of  the 
wounded  in  the  hedged  old  field  in  our  front,  where 
the  enemy  had  charged,  was  heart-rending  and  sick- 
ening— pleading  prayers  to  the  Almighty  for  mercy, 
and  begging  for  water  to  quench  their  thirst,  which 
was  continued  all  night.  The  expected  charge  of 
next  day  was  deferred,  and  feeling  anxious  to  meet 
the  enemy,  the  officers  of  the  command  petitioned 
Gen.  D.  H.  Hill  to  allow  us  to  remain  in  the  front 
line  until  the  enemy  did  advance.  Then  was  given 
us  the  task  of  burying  the  horses  belonging  to  the 
artillery  that  had  been  killed  to  prevent  the  awful 
stench,  not  knowing  how  many  days  we  would  have 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  27 

to  keep  in  line  of  battle.  We  found  it  a  difficult 
task  and  not  easily  accomplished.  During  this 
night  knew  there  was  commotion  among  the  enemy, 
and  could  see  a  light  in  the  distance  flash  up  and 
then  again  be  darkened,  and  inferred  that  the  enemy 
were  moving  to  their  right,  and  that  the  light  was 
obscured  as  the  troops  passed,  and  flashed  out  at  the 
interval  between  the  passage  of  one  regiment  and 
the  head  of  another,  and  sent  to  report  the  circum- 
stance to  Gen.  D.  H.  Hill,  whose  reply  was  that  I 
need  not  be  uneasy,  they  were  not  going  to  retreat 
until  after  another  effort,  and  be  ready  for  their 
charge  in  the  morning. 

Before  day  next  morning  we  were  up,  every  man 
at  his  post,  awaiting  the  expected  charge.  The  fog 
hung  low,  and  we  waited  impatiently  for  it  to  rise 
and  show  us  the  plain  below.  When  I  saw  the  en- 
emy were  not  in  sight,  I  then  went  forward  some 
few  hundred  yards  to  reconnoitre,  and  in  the  mean- 
time sent  word  to  Gen.  Hill  that  the  enemy  had  dis- 
appeared from  my  front.  Gen.  Hill  sent  my  report 
to  Gen.  Jackson,  and  had  himself  only  been  there  a 
few  minutes,  when  Gen.  Jackson,  accompanied  by 
Gen.  Lee,  rode  up  to  this  spot,  the  highest  eminence 
on  that  part  of  the  field,  and  asked,  "Who  says  the 
enemy    have    gone?"      Gen.    Hill    replied,    ''Col. 


28  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

Grimes,"  then  turning-  to  me,  Gen.  Jackson  said, 
*'  How  do  you  know?"  I  replied,  "  I  have  been  down 
as  far  as  their  picket  line  of  the  day  previous,  and 
can  see  nothing  of  them."  He  said,  "  Move  your 
skirmish  line  as  far  as  the  line,  and  see  where  they 
are."  There  was  a  look  of  deep  chagrin  and  morti- 
fication, very  apparent  to  the  obsever,  on  the  coun- 
tenance of  each,  though  nothing  of  the  sort  was  ex- 
pressed in  words.  The  brigade  that  I  then  com- 
manded was  composed  of  the  30th,  Col.  Parker  ; 
14th,  Col.  Bennett  ;  4th  Regiment  (my  own)  State 
Troops,  2nd  Regiment  State  Troops  under  Col. 
Bynum.  We  then  went  into  winter  quarters,  near 
Corbin's,  and  picketed  the  Rappahannock  from  Pres- 

tonburg  to by    Taylor's  house.     Opposite 

Taylor's  house  there  were  ladies,  who  constantly 
tried  to  signal  us  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  par- 
ticularly when  Hooker  moved  on  in  April  following. 

During  the  month  of  February  was  relieved  of 
the  brigade  command  by  Brigadier-General  Ram- 
seur.  Obtained  a  furlough  for  a  short  time  and 
visited  home,  and  upon  returning  was  occupied  in 
drilling  and  disciplining  the  4th  Regiment,  which 
regiment  was  not  excelled  in  the  army  of  Northern 
Virginia  and  was  noted  for  its  esprit  du  corps. 

On  Friday,  the   1st  of  May,  before  the  break  of 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  29 

day,  we  were  on  the  march  down  the  old  Fredericks- 
burg road  towards  Chancellorsville  to  meet  Hooker's 
army,  which  had  just  crossed  the  Rapidan  and 
striking  out  for  Gen.  Lee's  rear.  On  this  march, 
for  the  first  time,  Gen.  Jackson  appeared  in  full  mil- 
itary costume,  and  conveyed  by  his  personal  ap- 
pearance an  idea  of  the  great  military  hero  he  was. 
My  regiment  and  a  Mississippi  command  were  de- 
tailed for  the  purpose  of  feeling  the  enemy,  and 
were  deployed  to  drive  them  in  when  found,  my  left 
resting  on  the  road  and  acting  as  an  extended 
skirmish  line.  Gen.  Jackson  rode  down  the  turn- 
pike with  the  artillery,  and  whenever  necessary 
would  have  it  to  unlimber  and  feel  the  woods  in  our 
front,  and  would  then  ride  along  my  line  and  upon 
much  resistance  being  shown  by  the  enemy,  would 
say  in  suppressed  tones,  "  Press  them.  Colonel." 
In  this  manner,  without  halting,  we  marched 
down  near  their  main  body,  driving  them  from  every 
position,  and  several  of  their  regiments  leaving  their 
knapsacks  piled  up  where  they  had  been  thrown  off 
when  called  out  to  oppose  our  onward  march. 
Upon  crossing  a  creek  and  mill-pond,  driving  the 
enemy  before  us,  all  wet,  tattered  and  torn,  and 
marching  over  the  brow  of  the  opposite  hill,  the 
whole  line  of  the  main  army  opened  fire  upon  us, 


30  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

and  if  they  had  reserved  their  fire  until  we  had 
gained  the  summit,  my  command  would  have  been 
annihilated.  As  it  was,  they  were  so  astounded  by 
the  suddenness  of  this  alarming  fire,  that  they  began 
to  fall  back  in  confusion,  when  I  rallied  them,  ordered 
them  to  "lie  down,"  as  we  were  protected  by  the 
eminence  upon  the  hill  above,  and  went  forward  to 
reconnoitre  in  person,  when  I  saw  that  we  had  come 
upon  a  large  force  entrenched.  Made  a  report  of 
these  facts  to  Gen.  Jackson,  and  was  ordered  to 
hold  my  position  until  relieved,  which  was  done 
about  12  o'clock  that  night,  and  we  then  went  down 
near  the  turnpike  to  bivouac  for  the  night.  When 
about  8  o'clock,  after  noticing  Generals  Lee  and 
Jackson  in  close  conference  for  some  time,  we  took 
up  that  long  march  for  the  flank  movement  which 
resulted  so  seriously  to  the  Confederate  cause  by 
the  loss  of  Gen.  Jackson,  though  successful  in  an 
unprecedented  degree  in  the  result  of  the  move- 
ment. After  a  long,  tedious  and  circuitous  route  to 
get  in  the  rear  of  Hooker's  army,  about  3  o'clock 
on  Saturday  evening,  the  2nd  of  May,  we  were  in 
position  with  Rodes'  Division  in  front,  and  unex- 
pectedly to  them,  fell  upon  Seigel's  Corps  that  was 
in  reserve,  and  drove  them  back  for  miles  upon  their 
lines  behind  the  entrenchments,  attacked  them,  and 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  31 

carried  the  line  of  earthworks,  took  the  enemy's 
camp  baggage,  the  meals,  and  hot  coffe  then  boiling 
hot  on  the  fire,  which  we  found  very  refreshing,  and 
just  at  dark  when  we  supposed  the  fighting  over,  and 
was  in  the  act  of  eating  my  supper,  by  an  enemy's 
camp-fire  and  from  his  larder,  then  unexpectedly  a 
brisk  fire  commenced,  and  in  a  few  minutes  cannon- 
ading, the  enemy  raking  the  woods  and  plank-road 
with  grape  and  canister.  Fearing  the  enemy  were 
about  to  charge,  I  called  upon  my  troops  to  occupy 
the  breastwork  which  we  had  captured  an  hour  pre- 
vious, and  be  prepared  for  the  attack. 

After  getting  in  position,  and  near  the  plank- 
road,  I  went  up  the  road  to  see  if  I  could  hear  any- 
thing to  account  for  the  sudden  firing,  when  I  met 
a  party  bearing  a  litter  off  the  field,  and  enquired 
who  it  was.  Some  one  said  ''  Lieutenant  Sumter," 
and  upon  going  a  step  or  two  further  I  encountered 
Gen.  Rodes,  who  informed  me  that  the  wounded 
officer  was  none  other  than  Gen.  Jackson,  but  he 
thought  it  advisable  that  it  should  be  concealed 
from  the  troops  for  fear  of  disheartening  them  in 
view  of  the  serious  work  ahead  of  us  in  the  morn- 
ing. We  lay  down  behind  the  breastworks,  and 
rested  for  the  night. 

Sunday,  May  3rd,  Chancellorsville.     Before  day- 


32  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

break  this  morning  we  were  called  upon  to  hold  our- 
selves in  readiness  to  support  other  troops  when 
called  upon,  as  in  consideration  of  our  having  borne 
the  brunt  of  the  fights  for  the  two  previous  days,  others 
were  to  take  the  advance.  We  rested  just  in  rear  of 
the Brigade,  a  brigade  of  previous  good  reputa- 
tion, which  occupied  the  breastworks  captured  by  us 
the  day  previous.  A  staff  officer  rode  up  and  directed 
by  command  of  Gen.  J.  E.  B.  Stuart  (who  had  assumed 
command  after  Gen.  Jackson  was  wounded)  the 
officer  in  command  of  this  brigade  to  advance  and 
charge  the  enemy.  Gen.  Ramseur  and  myself  being 
on  the  plank-road  and  hearing  the  order  given. 
This  brigade  commander  declined  to  move  forward 
his  command  except  by  order  of  his  division  com- 
mander. Gen.  Ramseur  then  said  to  this  staff 
officer,  ''  Give  me  the  order  and  I  will  charge."  I 
remonstrated  with  him,  saying  as  we  had  done  the 
fighting  of  the  two  previous  days,  let  this  brigade 
move  forward  and  we  would  support  them.  Gen. 
Ramseur  said  no,  repeated  his  offer  to  advance, 
when  this  officer  said,  ''Then  you  make  the  charge. 
Gen.  Ramseur."  Gen.  Ramseur  then  turned  to  me, 
saying,  ''  Let  us  hurry  back.  Call  your  men  to  at- 
tention !"  which  I  did  upon  reaching  the  command, 
when  he  ordered  the  three  regiments  of  his  brigade 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  33 

to  advance,  the  other  regiment  being  detached  to 
pretect  our  right.  The  command  "  Forward  !"  was 
given,  and  we  moved  up  to  the  earthwork  occupied 
by  this  brigade,  and  had  to  climb  over  these  men 
now  lying  down  behind  it  for  protection,  and  over 
the  breastworks,  and  again  form  in  line  of  battle. 
Our  men  were  entirely  disgusted  at  their  cowardly 
conduct,  and  I,  myself,  put  my  foot  on  the  back 
and  head  of  an  officer  of  high  rank  in  mounting  the 
work,  and  through  very  spite,  ground  his  face  in  the 
earth.  I  heard  one  exclaim,  "  You  may  double 
quick,  but  you  will  come  back  faster  than  you  go.'' 
Mine,  the  4th  Regiment,  was  on  the  left  of  the  com- 
mand, and  our  left  rested  on  the  plank-road.  The 
command  was  given  and  we  advanced  in  a  ''double 
quick."  The  4th  Regiment  and  three  companies  of 
the  2nd  Regiment  never  halted  or  fired  until  we  had 
taken  the  enemy's  works  in  our  front  and  bayonet- 
ting  Federal  soldiers  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
earthwork.  The  hill  across  the  ravine  was  covered 
by  many  batteries  of  artillery,  from  forty  to  fifty 
guns,  which  had  been  scouring  the  woods  through 
which  we  had  just  passed  with  grape  and  canister. 
Seeing  their  infantry  driven  from  their  works,  they 
abandoned  this  artillery.     The   enemy   made  three 

distinct  attempts  to  retake  this  work,  forming  their 
5 


34 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


men-  in  column  by  taking  advantage  of  a  ravine  just 
beyond  the  turnpike,  but  each  time  were  driven 
back  with  severe  loss,  our  men  acting  with  great 
courage,  enthusiasm  and  determination. 

The  artillerists  seeing  only  a  small  portion  of  the 
line  held,  now  rallied  again  to  their  guns  and  opened 
upon  us.  About  the  same  time  my  attention  was 
called  to  my  right  and  rear  where  I  saw  large  num- 
bers of  the  enemy  fast  closing  up  our  line  for  retreat, 
(the  right  of  Ramseur's  Brigade  having  halted  to 
deliver  their  fire  upon  encountering  the  enemy  where 
they  were  engaged,  while  we  had  taken  the  breast- 
work). Seeing  these  Federal  troops  in  my  rear,  I 
gave  the  order  to  abandon  the  captured  works  and 
fall  back  to  the  protection  of  the  earthwork  still  occu" 

pied  by  this  ( )  Brigade,  through  whose  cowardice 

we  had  suffered  so  severely.  We  crossed  to  the  right 
of  the  plank  road,  and  got  back  to  our  line  in  the  best 
manner  possible.  In  this  charge  my  sword  was  sev- 
ered by  a  ball,  my  clothes  perforated  in  many  places, 
and  a  ball  embedded  in  my  sword  belt  and  the  scab- 
bard, and  I  received  a  very  severe  contusion  on  the 
ioot ;  and  upon  reaching  the  earthwork  from  which 
we  had  first  started,  I  had  only  sufficient  strength  to 
get  over,  and  lost  consciousness  from  exhaustion 
and  pain.     One  of  my  own  ambulance  corps  seeing 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  35 

my  condition,  came  to  my  relief,  and  from  a  canteen 
was  pouring  water  over  my  head  when  I  was  recalled 
to  my  senses  by  the  voice  of  Gen.  R.  E.  Rodes,  our 
Division  Commander,  inquiring,  "  What  troops  are 
these?"  The  commanding  ofificer  who  had  refused 
to  advance  when  ordered  by  Gen.  Stuart's  staff  offi- 
cer,  said    the  Brigade.      Gen.    Rodes   said, 

"  Why  have  you  not  joined  in  the  charge  ?"  The  re- 
ply was,  "  We  have  had  no  orders  to  advance." 
Under  the  stimulus  of  this  falsehood,  I  fully  aroused, 
pronounced  it  a  base  lie ;  that  I  had  heard  the  order 
given  myself,  and  repeated  his  reply.  Whereupon, 
Gen.  Rodes  took  out  his  pistol,  rode  up  to  this  officer, 
presented  the  muzzle  to  his  head,  and,  with  an  epi- 
thet of  odium,  told  him  to  forward  his  men,  or  he 
would  blow  his  brains  out.  He  then  gave  the  com- 
mand, and  this  ( )  Brigade  then  moved   forward, 

and,  without  firing  a  gun,  reached  the  breastworks 
that  we  had  taken,  and  found  the  Federal  forces  had 
evacuated  the  hill,  and  safely  carried  off  all  their  ar- 
tillery posted  there.  If  these  troops  had  moved 
forward  in  obedience  to  orders,  and  encountered  the 
enemy,  we  would  have  advanced  quickly  to  their 
support,  and  captured  the  principal  part  of  Hooker's 
artillery.     As  it  was,  we  met  with  terrific  slaughter 


36  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

in  my  command,  and  failed  to  take  the  artillery. 
This  closed  the  fighting  at  Chancellorsville  for  the 
infantry. 

I  was  taken  upon  a  litter  to  the  hospital,  where 
my  contused  foot  was  attended  to.  The  next  day 
I  rode  over  the  woods  we  had  charged  through,  and 
examined  the  works  we  had  taken,  and  found  scores 
upon  scores  of  the  enemy  killed,  around  and  in  front 
of  the  work,  doubtless  killed  by  my  command  and 
the  three  companies  of  the  2nd  Regiment.  Forty- 
six  officers  and  men  out  of  less  than  300  (4th  Regi- 
ment) were  buried  near  this  breastwork  the  next  day. 

This  charge  was  as  gallant,  noble,  and  self-sacri- 
ficing as  the  world-renowned  charge  at  Balaklava  of 
the  immortal  "  six  hundred."  Here  Polk,  my  faith- 
ful servant,  was  tempted  by  the  offer  of  $500  to  sell 
the  forage  that  had  been  procured  by  him  for  my 
horse,  but  could  not  be  bought  off. 

From  here  we  returned  to  near  "  Hamilton's  Cross- 
ing," and  turned  in  the  woods  to  recover  from  our 
severe  trials  of  the  several  previous  days,  and  re- 
organized, examined,  and  recommended  for  appoint- 
ment and  accustom  our  new  officers  to  command. 
Here  we  passed  the  time  in  drilling  until  about  the 
first  of  June,  when  we  took  up  our  march  for  Penn- 
sylvania.    We  crossed  the  Shenandoah  near  P'ront 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  37 

Royal  on  the  12th  of  June,  and  attacked  the  enemy 
at  Berryville. 

Note  . — Servant  — Cavalry  — Camp  — Squirrel — 
Williamsport — Hagerston — Dr.  McGill,  &c. 

REPORT   OF   THE   FOURTH    REGIMENT. 

In  compliance  with  orders,  I  have  the  honor  of 
submitting  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by 
the  4th  Regiment  N.  C.  State  Troops  in  the  engage- 
ments around  Gettysburg,  Pennsylvania.  On  Wed- 
nesday, the  1st  of  July,  we  were  encamped  near 
Heidelburg,  and  were  under  arms  and  on  the  march 
by  sunrise.  About  4  p.  m.  arrived  near  the  battle- 
field, and  formed  in  line  of  battle,  being  on  the  left 
of  our  Brigade.  After  waiting  a  few  minutes,  were 
ordered  to  advance  in  line  of  battle,  which  was  soon 
countermanded,  and  then  moved  by  the  right  flank. 
After  proceeding  a  few  hundred  yards,  this  Regiment, 
together  with  the  2nd  Regiment,  were  recalled  by 
Maj.  Gen.  Rodes  and  fronted  on  a  hill  to  repel  any 
attack  from  that  quarter,  as  at  that  time  there  were 
indications  of  an  advance  on  the  part  of  the  enemy. 
This  position  was  parallel  with  the  road  down  which 
the  other  two  Regiments  of  our  Brigade  had  moved. 
After  a  very  few  minutes,  the  enemy  not  advancing, 


38  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

and  a  Brigade  of  theirs  heretofore  obliquing  to  the 
left  instead  of  advancing  towards  us,  Gen.  Rodes 
ordered  me  with  the  2nd  Regiment  to  advance.  After 
getting  from  under  cover  of  the  hill,  we  were  exposed 
to  a  severe,  galling  and  enfilading  fire  from  a  wood 
to  our  right,  which  compelled  me  to  change  front 
towards  the  right.  We  then  advanced  upon  the 
enemy,  joining  our  Brigade,  and  driving  them  in 
great  confusion,  and  but  for  the  fatiguing  and  ex- 
hausting march  of  the  day  would  have  succeeded  in 
capturing  a  very  large  number  of  prisoners.  As  it 
was,  we  captured  more  by  far  than  the  number  of 
men  in  our  command,  but  the  troops  were  too  ex- 
hausted to  move  rapidly,  as  they  otherwise  would 
have  done.  We  were  the  first  to  enter  the  town  of 
Gettysburg,  and  halted  to  rest  on  the  road  leading 
to  Tomsfield. 

We  remained  in  that  position  during  that  night 
and  Thursday.  On  Thursday  evening  about  dark 
we  advanced  to  make  a  night  attack  upon  the  ene- 
my's works,  but  when  we  had  approached  to  within 
a  few  hundred  yards,  and  drawing  the  fire  of  their 
pickets,  which  wounded  several  of  my  men,  we  were 
recalled  and  placed  on  a  road,  where  we  remained 
until  3  a.  m.  Saturday  morning,  at  times  subjected 
to  severe  cannonading.     We  were  then  taken  to  the 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  39 

crest  of  hills  in  our  rear,  which  position  we  retained 
until  Sunday  morning,  when  we  were  withdrawn. 
Appended  is  a  list  of  casualties  during  this  engage- 
ment.    (Omitted.) 

Two  much  cannot  be  said  in  praise  of  both  officers 
and  men  of  my  command,  all  conducting  themselves 
most  admirably. 

I  am,  Major, 

Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  BRYAN  GRIMES, 

Col.  Afth  N,  C.  State  Troops. 

Summary  of  Notes.— Left  Garysburg  20th  July, 

1 86 1.  Arrived  at  Manassas  29th  July — remained 
until  March,  1862.  At  Yorktown  9th  April,  1862. 
Position  outside  of  fortifications  evacuated  3rd  May, 

1862.  Supported  other  troops  at  Williamsburg  May 
5th,  but  not  actively  engaged.  Seven  Pines— loss 
374  killed  and  wounded  at  Seven  Pines.  Crossed 
Potomac  at  Cheek's  Ford,  near  Leesburg,  7th  of 
Sept. — encamped  near  Frederick  City,  Md.  Re- 
crossed  the  Potomac  19th  of  Sept.  at  Sheperdstown. 
Remained  in  the  Valley  encamped  at  Bunker  Hill, 
Winchester,  Front  Royal,  and  Strasburg.  Crossed 
the  ''  ridge"  three  times. 


40 


EXTRACTS  OF   LETTERS  OF 


Chancellorsville — 46  killed,  157  wounded  and  58 
taken  prisoners  out  of  327  carried  into  action.  Re- 
mained at  Hamilton's  Crossing  until. 3rd  of  June. 
On  the  9th  went  to  support  of  our  cavalry  at  Brandy 
Station,  but  not  engaged.  Went  to  Valley,  crossed 
mountains,  and  river  at  Front  Royal.  Assisted  in 
driving  the  enemy  from  fortifications  at  Berryville 
and  Martinsburg.  Crossed  the  Potomac  with  the 
advance  at  Williamsport,  Md.,  on  15th  June,  1863. 
Next  day  advanced  to  Hagerstown,  acting  as  Provost 
Guard  of  the  city  during  the  stay  of  the  enemy  in 
the  vicinity.  From  there  via  Greencastle,  Chambers- 
burg  and  Shippensburg,  went  to  Carlyle,  Penn.,  where 
we  went  on  picket  duty  eleven  miles  from  Harris, 
burg,  the  capital  of  the  State.  Thence  to  Gettys- 
burg via  Heidelburg.  Assisted  in  covering  retreat. 
Recrossed  the  Potomac  14th  July,  1863.  Stopped 
at  Darksville,  then  came  to  Front  Royal,  formed  line 
of  battle,  resisted  enemy's  advance  by  that  route. 
Withdrew  by  Luray  road,  crossed  the  mountains  at 
Snicker's  Gap,  thence  to  Orange  Court  House.  Sent 
to  Morton's  Ford  to  prevent  the  enemy  crossing. 
On  9th  Oct.,  1863,  ordered  to  Orange  C.  H.,  and 
went  by  Madison  C.  H.  to  flank  the  enemy  near  Cul- 
pepper. Enemy  made  formidable  resistance  at  War- 
renton  Junction,  and ,  which  was  overcome,  and 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES,  41 

on  the  14th  the  Regiment  reached  Bristoe's  Station, 
tore  up  and  destroyed  railroad  track,  and  fell  back  to 
Kelly's  Ford  on  the  Rappahannock.  After  remaining 
there  several  days,  returned  to  Morton's  Ford  on 
the  Rapidan  river. 

(Oct.  i;th,  1863,  Catlett's  Station.  We  fought 
several  hours  on  Wednesday,  14th  inst.,  a  running 
fight.  Loss  from  North  Carolina  greater  than  from 
any  other  State.  Drove  the  enemy  beyond  Centre- 
ville.  Now  tearing  up  bridges  and  destroying  rail- 
roads ;  in  a  few  days  fell  back  to  original  position. 
October  20th,  returned  home  to  make  arrangements 
about  withdrawing  my  name  as  candidate  for  Con- 
gress. November  17th,  returned  to  the  army,  took 
command  of  the  Brigade,  Gen.  Ramseur  being 
absent.) 

(Copy  of  letter  to   the  Voters  of  the  2nd  Congressional  District  of 
North  Carolina.) 

Having  been  repeatedly  solicited  both  through 
the  public  channels  of  communication  as  well  as  by 
private  letters  from  numerous  and  influential  gentle- 
men from  the  different  counties  composing  the  Dis- 
trict, also  from  troops  in  the  field,  urging  me  to  an- 
nounce myself  as  a  candidate  to  represent  the  2nd 
District  in  our  next  Congress,  I  feel  called  upon,  un- 
der such  circumstances,  to  assure  my  friends  of  my 
6 


42 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


proper  appreciation  of  their  kind  preference,  and 
state  that  if  my  fellow-citizens  see  fit  to  elect  me,  I 
shall  esteem  it  a  high  honor  to  become  their  repre- 
sentative, and  shall  devote  my  entire  energies  ear- 
nestly to  the  discharge  of  the  important  duties  of 
such  a  responsible  position,  seeking  at  all  times,  b\' 
every  honorable  means  in  the  power  of  the  Govern- 
ment, to  restore  the  blessings  of  peace  once  again  to 
our  distressed  land  ;  and  my  chief  aim  shall  be  to  the 
accomplishment  of  that  end,  but  fully  impressed  that 
no  terms  should  be  considered  for  our  interest  that 
do  not  recognize  our  complete  and  eternal  separation 
from  the  North,  and  acknowledgment  of  our  inde- 
pendence ;  and  I  regret  exceedingly,  since  allowing 
my  name  to  come  before  the  public  as  a  candidate  for 
their  sufTrages,  that  it  is  not  within  my  power  to 
meet  my  friends  face  to  face  before  the  election  and 
express  my  vieu^s  on  the  most  momentous  topics  of 
the  day,  so  pregnant  with  mighty  consequences  to  the 
success  of  our  cause;  but  1  will  publish  in  a  few  days 
my  opinions  on  these  subjects,  as  my  duties  in  the 
field  will  not  admit  of  my  absence  from  the  com- 
mand during  the  present  indications  of  an  engage- 
ment with  the  enemy. 

Yours  very  respectfully, 

(Signed)  Bryan  Grimes. 

[About  October,  1863.] 


MAJOR-GEx\ERAL  BRYAN  GRIMpS.  43 

(Copy  of  letter    withdrawing    from    candidacy   of    representing   2nd 
Congressional  District,  N.  C.) 

To   the   Voters  of  the  2nd  Congressional 

District  of  North  Carolina  : 
Some  time  since,  contrary  to  my  wishes,  I  an- 
nounced myself  as  a  candidate  to  represent  the  2nd 
Congressional  District  in  our  next  Congress.  Pre- 
ferring to  remain  in  active  service  in  the  field  until 
peace  and  our  independence  is  secured,  and  believ- 
ing that  I  can  render  more  effective  aid  in  attaining 
that  end  in  my  present  position,  have  under  the  cir- 
cumstances concluded  to  withdraw  my  name,  trust- 
ing that  my  friends  will  appreciate  the  motives 
which  induce  me  to  this  step,  assuring  them  that  at 
some  future  time  I  will  cheerfully  assume  any  trust 
or  responsibility  that  they  may  see  fit  to  require  at 
my  hands. 

Very  respectfully  yours, 
(Signed,)  Bryan  Grimes, 

Colonel  \th  N.  C.  Troops. 

(Copy  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Jno.  A.  Young,  of  Charlotte,  who  was  at 
one  time  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  4th  Regiment,  and  a  member 
of  the  North  Carolina  Legislature  when  this  letter  was  written.) 

Morton's  Ford,  Va.,  December  6th,  1883. 
My  Dear  Colonel :  You  have  learned  through  the 
papers  that  we  have  been  at  the  Yankees  again,  or 


44 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


rather  it  would  be  more  proper  to  say  that  they 
have  again  taken  up  their  "  Onward  to  Richmond," 
but  after  a  short  time  and  a  few  volleys  of  musketry 
they  did  not  move  on  quite  so  expeditiously  and 
confidently,  and  upon  examination  of  our  works  and 
defenses,  concluded  to  ''change  front  faced  to  the 
rear,"  which  was  done  and  that  hurriedly,  much  to 
our  chagrin,  for  our  men  had  never  felt  more  confident 
of  victory  than  on  that  occasion.  Our  position  was 
equally  as  strong,  if  not  more  so,  than  that  at  Freder- 
icksburg, which  you  remember  you  considered  almost 
impregnable.  Upon  the  discovery  that  they  had 
disappeared,  our  Brigade  pursued  with  the  old  4th 
Regiment  in  the  lead,  as  usual,  taking  up  a  goodly 
number  of  stragglers — the  meanest  in  pppearance 
that  we  have  ever  encountered  yet,  being  the  lowest 
scum  of  the  Yankee  foreign  population.  It  was 
really  a  source  of  congratulation  and  encouragement 
to  see  that  they  were  reduced  to  such  straits  for 
filling  their  ranks.  One  good  soldier,  I  know,  must 
be  equal  to  ten  such  specimens  of  the  geiuis  Jioino. 
Not  one  in  twenty  of  those  we  captured  were  natives 
of  the  United  States.  It  was  reported  by  these 
prisoners  that  Gen.  Warren's  Corps  was  ordered  to 
attack,  but  refused  to  do  so. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  45 

I  have  just  written  a  brief  history  of  the  Regi- 
ment (4th  N.  C.  State  Troops)  which  you  can  see  by 
caUing  on  Capt.  Foote,  Adjutant  General,  officer  in 
charge  of  the  ''  Roll  of  Honor."  I  give  you  leave  to 
call  for  it  and  revise  and  correct  it,  and  embellish  it, 
if  you  wish  it.  Modesty  forbids  my  saying  near  as 
much  as  I  could  have  done  in  praise  of  it.  By  call- 
ing soon  you  can  read  it  before  Capt.  Foote 
has  transcribed  it  on  his  books.  In  reference  to 
other  enclosures  which  I  have  had  forwarded  to  him, 
you  will  perceive  that  our  loss  from  disease  and  the 
casualties  of  battle  exceed  five  hundred.  I  don't 
know  if  any  other  Regiment  can  show  such  a  record. 
Our  Regiment  is  now  in  tolerably  fair  trim,  but  not 
such  as  it  used  to  be. 

Bye-the-bye,  there  has  been  a  piece  of  music  com- 
posed and  dedicated  to  the  Old  Fourth.  I  sent  a 
copy  to  Mrs.  Grimes.  Call  and  have  her  to  sing  it 
for  you.  I  wish  you  to  make  her  acquaintance. 
You  will  find  her  at  her  father's,  Mr.  Bryan.  *  ^ 
**^*-5f^^I  learn 

that  your  Legislature  is  disposed  to  be  fractious  and 
intractable,  like  it  was  last  winter.  Can't  you  cor- 
rect it  ?  John,  your  son,  is  still  at  Richmond  under 
the  charge  of  the  surgeons,  I  hope,  though,  not  dan- 
gerously ill,  but  will  be  able  to  report  shortly.     Of 


46  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


■5f 


course  you  hear  from  him  frequently.     ^         '" 
*  ^  -  ^  -"  -^         -=^  My  paper 

has  run  out,  so  has  a  legislator's  patience,  I  fear,  so 
good-bye. 

Truly  your  friend, 
(Signed,)  Brvan  Grimes. 

To  CoL  John  A.  Young,  Charlotte,  N.  C, 

[A  copy  of  a  request  made  of  our  Representatives  in  Congress.] 

We,  the  undersigned,  officers  of  the  Confederate 
States  Army  from  the  State  of  North  Carolina,  de- 
sire to  call  the  attention  of  our  Representatives  to 
the  unjust  and  arbitrary  manner  of  selecting  general 
officers,  and  earnestly  request  that  you  call  atten- 
tion of  the  Senate  to  this  matter  before  the  present 
appointments  are  confirmed  by  that  body.  We  be- 
lieve there  are  instances  where  officers  of  great 
worth  and  skill,  and  of  unexceptionable  habits",  and 
who  had  recommendations  from  general  officers  of 
high  standing  under  whom  they  had  served,  have 
been  overslaughed,  their  juniors,  who  were  not  su- 
perior to  them  in  military  skill  or  deportment,  being 
appointed  over  them  upon  the  recommendation  of 
a  single  general  officer.  In  some  instances  lieuten- 
ant-colonels, upon  the   recommendation  of  a  single 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  47 


general  officer,  have  been  appointed  over  many 
Colonels  serving  in  the  same  Brigade  or  Division, 
some  of  whom  had  leceived  recommendations  from 
general  officers  under  whom  they  had  served,  and 
had  also  been  mentioned  in  official  reports  for  dis- 
tinguished gallantry  in  battle.  We  believe  this  sys- 
tem of  appointment  to  be  unjust,  and  calculated  to 
injure  our  cause,  that  it  places  the  reputation  of  an 
officer  at  the  mercy  of  his  immediate  superior,  who, 
from  favoritism  or  other  impure  motive,  may  injure 
his  military  standing  by  the  recommendation  of  the 
appointment  of  a  junior  over  him. 

We  would  therefore  suggest  that  resolutions  to 
the  following  effect  be  submitted  before  these  ap- 
pointments are  confirmed  : 

That  all  appointments  to  brigadier-generalship, 
now  for  confirmation  of  officers  who  were  not  en- 
titled to  expect  such  promotion  by  seniority,  i.  e., 
who  were  not  next  in  rank  to  the  vacant  position  ; 
that  the  number  of  battles  in  which  such  officer 
has  been  engaged  exercising  a  commission  at  least 
equal  to  the  command  next  below  that  to  w^iich  he 
has  been  appointed  ;  also  how  often  and  by  whom  such 
officer  has  been  recommended  for  promotion,  and 
in  what  battles  he  has  been  complimented  in  official 


48  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

reports  for  distinguished  conduct,  be  laid  before  the 
Senate  for  information.  That  the  same  be  shown 
of  those  officers  from  this  State  amongst  whose 
troops  the  vacancy  is  to  be  filled  who  have  been 
passed  over  by  such  appointments.  That  the  selec- 
tion of  the  lower  grade  of  general  officers  be  not 
confined  to  the  Brigade  or  Division  in  which  such 
vacancy  occurs,  unless  all  other  things  are  equal, 
then  the  Brigade  or  Division  to  have  preference,  but 
whenever  a  vacancy  occurs  amongst  the  troops  of  a 
particular  State,  the  selection  for  promotion  to  be 
made  from  all  the  troops  of  that  State  serving  in  the 
army  in  which  the  vacancy  occurs.  We  would  state 
that  the  War  Department  has  adopted  a  system  of 
promotion  for  all  grades  below  that  of  general, 
which  we  think  just  and  efficient.  That  an  officer 
cannot  be  promoted  over  his  seniors  unless  they  have 
been  examined  by  a  board  and  failed  to  pass  their 
examination,  or  any  especial  act  of  conspicuous  gal- 
lantry entitles  him  to  such  promotion.  It  is  not 
sufficient  to  show  that  the  officer  whose  promotion 
is  asked  for  has  behaved  in  battle  with  great  skill 
and  gallantry,  but  some  special  act  must  be  stated. 
Whilst  we  do  not  desire  to  limit  the  selection  of 
general  officers  so  much,  as   is  necessary  with  the 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  ^g 

lower  grades,  we  do  desire  that  the  appointment  of 
juniors  over  seniors  shall  not  be  made  without 
cause. 

(Signed,)  E.  C.  BRABBLE, 

Colonel  '^2d  Regiment  N.  C.  Troops. 

J.  J.  Iredell, 
Major  53<7?  Regiment  N.  C.  Troops. 
Junius  Daniel, 

Brigadier-  General. 
James  H.  Wood, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  d^th  N.  C.  S.  Troops. 
Wm.  R.  Cox, 
Colonel  27td  N.  C.  Infantry. 
F.  M.  Parker, 
Colonel  2)0th  N.  C.  Troops. 
Bryan  Grimes, 
Colonel  A,th  N.  C.  State  Troops. 

April,  1864.  Recommended  for  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral by  Generals  Daniel,  Ramseur  and  Rodes. 

(Original  Copy.) 
Orange  C.  H.,  Va.,  April  24th,  1864. 

Gen.  S.  Cooper,  A.  &  L  General : 

We  feel  it  to  be  our  duty  as  North  Carolina  offi- 
cers, and  with  a  high  sense  of  the  good  of  the  ser- 
vice, to   recommend  Col.  Bryan  Grimes,  4th  N.  C. 


50 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


Troops,  for  promotion  to  the  command  of  the  Brig- 
ade about  to  be  formed  of  the  ist,  3rd,  55th  and  an- 
other North  Carohna  Regiment.  We  do  also  recom- 
mend for  this  position  Col.  W.  R.  Cox,  2nd  North 
Carolina. 

Col.  Grimes  is  among  the  senior  Colonels  from 
our  State.  He  has  commanded  his  Regiment  from 
the  battle  of  "  Seven  Pines"  through  all  the  battles 
in  which  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  has  partici- 
pated, except  "Sharpsburg,"  when  he  was  disabled, 
and  "  1st  Fredericksburg"  when  he  commanded  the 
Brigade  of  which  he  was  senior  Colonel.  In  the  offi. 
cial  reports  of  all  their  actions,  Colonel  Grimes'  con- 
duct is  highly  spoken  of  by  his  senior  of^cers.  In 
battle  Colonel  G.  is  conspicuous  for  skill  and  gal- 
lantry. He  commanded  for  several  months  (from 
Maryland  to  Fredericksburg)  the  Brigade  now  com- 
manded by  Brig.  Gen.  Ramseur.  As  a  disciplinarian 
Col.  Grimes  has  few  superiors.  He  is  ever  zealous 
in  the  performance  of  military  duty,  and  in  provi- 
ding for  and  taking  care  of  his  men. 

We  believe  the  claims  of  Col.  Grimes  and  Col. 
Cox  to  be  very  strong — by  the  appointment  of  either, 
the  good  of  the  service  will  be  secured. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  51 

We,  therefore,  earnestly  recommend  their  claims 
to  his  Excellency  the  President  for  promotion. 
(Signed)  S.  D.  Ramseur, 

Brigadier-  General. 
(Signed)  JUNIUS  Daniel, 

Brigadier-General. 

^  Headquarters  Rodes'  Division,  April  27tli,  1864. 

I  take  pleasure  in  endorsing  Col.  Grimes'  claims 
to  promotion.  He  has  served  with  me  in  this  Divis- 
ion since  its  formation  at  Yorktown,  and  shown  him- 
self under  all  circumstances  to  be  a  good  and  relia- 
ble officer.  He  is  a  thorough  gentleman,  brave  to  a 
fault,  invaluable  in  an  action,  and  his  habits  are 
worthy  of  imitation.  Respectfully  forwarded. 
(Signed)  R.   E.  Rodes, 

Major-  General. 

GOLDSBORO,   N.   €.,   March  loth,  1863. 

Col.  Bryan  Grimes  entered  the  service  as  Major  of 
the  4th  North  Carolina  Regiment,  and  for  more  than 
a  year  had   the  admirable  training  of  the   lamented 
/   Gen.  G.  B.  Anderson,  who  was  Colonel  of  that  Regi- 
ment. 

Col.  Grimes  led   the  4th  with  most  distinguished 
gallantry  at  ''  Seven  Pines,"  and  in  all  the  subsequent 


52  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

battles  of  the  year  1862  except  Sharpsburg  (when  he 
was  ill).  He  has  been  in  many  pitched  battles,  and 
has  behaved  most  gallantly  in  them  all.  I  think 
that  he  has  seen  more  service  than  any  Colonel  from 
North  Carolina.  His  gallantry,  ripe  experience,  ad- 
mirable training,  intelligence  and  moral  worth  con- 
s<-itute  strong  claims  for  promotion. 

(Signed)  D.  H.  Hill, 

Major-  General. 

(Extracts  from   letters  to  his   Wife.) 

Enemy  crossed  at  Germania  Ford  May  4th  and 
5th,  1864.  Would  not  only  take  black  prisoners,  but 
no  white. 

May  6th. — Whipped  the  enemy  like  fury  last  even-  , 
ing.  6th.  Have  whipped  them  badly.  Burnside's 
Corps  particularly  stampeded  like  sheep.  Some  of 
our  troops  did  not  behave  so  well  as  expected,  per- 
mitting the  enemy  to  break  lines,  or  falling  back  in 
confusion.  Gen.  Lee  took  command  in  person. 
With  waving  hat  .in  hand,  charged,  driving  helter 
skelter.  Our  Brigade  suffered  slightly — charged 
Burnside's  Corps,  who  broke  and  run  before  we  got 
a  good  chance  at  them  ;  Indians,  also,  who  did  no 
service. 

6  o'clock  Saturday  morning. — Enemy  are  moving. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  q^ 

Sharp  shooters  feeling  to  see  if  they  be  in  position, 
but  hear  nothing  from  them.  Spoils  immense — 
looks  bright  for  Confederacy. 

May   7th. — Enemy  active,  but    nothing   accom-  ^ 
plished  by  them  ;    regarded    as  badly  whipped  .and 
demoralized.     Walker  Anderson  killed,  Col.  Avery 
mortally  wounded,   Lieut.   Col.   Davidson   prisoner, 
Haywood  wounded. 

May  9th. — Well,  but  greatly  exhausted  ;  was  only  / 
slightly  wounded  in   instep  of  left   foot.     Will  keep 
on  duty.    Are  getting  the  best  of  fights. 

Battle  field  of  Spottsylvania,  May  nth. — By  grace 
of  God  am  still  spared.  The  Yankees  have  been 
punished  severely.  We  now  have  good  breastworks, 
and  will  slay  them  worse  than  ever.  Major  Iredell 
killed  yesterday;  shot  through  the  head  while 
bravely  rallying  his  Regiment. 

May  14th. — On  Thursday  the  enemy  attacked 
Major-General  Johnson's  line,  breaking  through,  cap- 
turing himself  and  Brigadier-General  Stuart  of  Mary- 
land, together  with  two  thousand  prisoners  and 
twenty  cannon.  About  5  o'clock  A.  M.,  Ramseur's 
Brigade  were  ordered  up  to  check  the  enemy,  who 
were  pressing  our  men,  and  kept  them  at  bay  for 
about  two  hours  when  we  were  ordered  to  charge, 
drove  them  (Ramseur's  Brigade  alone)  back  to  the 


54 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


captured  works,  rested  a  few  minutes,  and  Ramseur 
having  been  shot  in  his  right  arm  and  not  able  to 
keep  up,  and  seeing  no  one  to  apply  to,  and  seeing 
the  necessity  for  speedy  action,  I  ordered  a  second 
charge,  myself  leading  them,  and  by  the  very  bold- 
ness of  the  move  recovered  the  entire  works  and  all 
the  guns,  capturing  many  prisoners  and  killing  more 
Yankees  than  the  Brigade  numbered  men.  They 
made  repeated  efforts  to  retake  works  but  we  suc- 
cessfully repulsed  every  attack  and  held  possession 
until  4  o'clock  A.  M.  Friday,  when  we  were  ordered 
to  move  out,  which  we  did  just  before  day.  Gen. 
Lee  rode  down  in  person  to  thank  the  Brigade  for 
its  gallantry,  saying,  ''  we  deserved  the  thanks  of  the 
country,  we  had  saved  his  army."  Gen.  Daniel  who  \ 
was  engaged  on  our  left  w^as  seriously  wounded  and 
yesterday  morning,  at  his  request,  I  was  assigned  to 
his  Brigade.  He  died  last  night.  He  was  an  ex- 
cellent ofificer,  and  although' I  probably  gained  a 
Brigade  by  his  death,  I  would  have  preferred  to  re- 
main in  statu  quo  rather  than  his  services  should  be 
lost  to  the  country.  North  Carolina  has  suffered 
seriously. 

May  1 6th. — My  escapes  are  regarded  as  miracu- 
lous when  account  is  taken  of  number  killed,  par- 
ticularly as  1   never  order  my  men   to  perform   any  .^ 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  55 

duty  attended  with  danger  without  sharing  it  with 
them. 

May  17th.— Little  fighting.  Yesterday  enemy 
moved  forward  to  move  hospital  with  1 500  wounded 
which  they  carried  to  Fredericksburg.  Loss  to 
North  Carolina  has  been  very  great.  Many  most 
gallant  officers  killed.  Gen.  Daniel  had  been  recom- 
mended by  Gen.  Lee  for  Major-General. 

May  1 8th. — Yankees  charged  in  front  but  were 
repulsed.  Considerably  strengthened  Grant  con- 
tinues to  run  them  against  us.  They  can't  hold  out 
much  longer. 

May  19th. — Enemy  have  disappeared  ;  have  or-  / 
ders  to  be  prepared  to  move  so  as  to  meet  them. 
This  is  the  fifteenth  day  since  we  have  met  them- 
Have  been  fighting  more  or  less  every  day.  If  they 
would  retire  beyond  the  river  and  give  us  a  breath- 
ing spell,  it  would  be  decidedly  advantageous. 
Nearly  all  are  fagged  out  and  need  rest. 

May  20th. — We  made  a  flank  movement  last 
evening  and  had  a  very  sharp  fight  with  the  enemy. 
Two  of  the  "  Old  Guard  "  killed— Gus  Byees  and 
Taylor.  The  old  Fourth  lost  sixty-five  killed  and 
wounded.  Daniel's  Brigade  behaved  most  gallantly, 
conducting  itself  most  excellently.     The  bullets  fell 


56  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

thick  and  heavy  around  me  and  amid  it  all  has  my 
life  again  been  spared. 

May  22d,  Hanover  Junction. — We  reached  here 
to-day  after  a  most  fatiguing  jaunt.  The  enemy  at- 
tempting to  flank  us  as  we  moved  down. 

May  25th. — Yankees  still  continue  obstinate  and 
still  continue  to  rush  on  to  their  doom,  as  more  of 
them  did  yesterday  when  they  came  on  my  line. 
We  drove  them  with  considerable  slaughter,  losing 
but  few  in  Daniel's  Brigade,  who  bore  the  brunt  of 
the  fighting.  Have  now  been  in  line  of  battle  forty- 
eight  hours. 

May  31st. — Yesterday  a  hard  day;  the  exertion 
I  made  and  the  fatigue  undergone  almost  superhu- 
man. Again  this  Division  was  called  upon  to  make 
a  flank  movement.  Whipped  them  but  at  consid- 
erable loss  to  Daniel's  Brigade.  At  least  three- 
fourths  of  the  killed  and  wounded  were  from  this 
Brigade.  There  is  no  doubt  its  being  a  fine  body 
of  men  and  will  do  credit  to  my  command.  Major 
Smith  was  killed  and  Lieutenant  Lemay  of  Raleigh. 

June  5th,  1864. — Received  commission  as  Brig- 
adier-General, which,  according  to  Gen.  Rodes'  re- 
quest, bore  date  of  19th  of  May,  1864,  on  which  oc- 
casion on  a  flank  movement  near  Fredericksburg, 
towards   the   rear  of   Grant's   army,   I   handled   the 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  57 

Brigade  with  such  efficiency  that  Gen.  Rodes  ap- 
proached me  soon  after  the  battle,  and  shaking  me 
by  the  hand,  said  :  "  You  have  saved  Ewell's  Corps, 
and  shall  be  promoted,  and  your  commission  shall 
bear  date  from  this  day."  After  remaining  in  posi- 
tion sufficiently  long  for  the  wounded  and  stragglers 
to  come  up,  retired  to  position  of  the  Corps  in  the 
morning.  My  rank  is  permanent,  so  direct  your 
letters  hereafter  to  Brig.-Gen.  Grimes. 

June  7th. — Another  flank  movement  last  evening  ; 
did  not  amount  to  much.  Last  night  came  to  this 
spot  near  Richmond,  and  for  the  first  time  in  thirty 
odd  days  have  come  in  the  woods  to  encamp,  massed 
by  regiments.  Have  heretofore  rested  on  our  arms 
in  line  of  battle. 

June  8th. — Had  orders  to  be  prepared  to  move 
at  daylight,  but  are  still  here  near  Cold  Harbor. 
My  old  Regiment  made  application  to  be  transferred 
to  this  Brigade,  which  I  hope  will  be  granted.  I 
have  an  affection  for  them,  having  been  associated 
with  them  so  long. 

June  13th,  near  Southana  River. — Marched  over 
thirty  miles  to-day  over  sandy  road.  Everything 
and  everybody  exhausted.  Left  Cold  Harbor  at  2 
o'clock  A.  M.     Appears  as  if  we  are  going  to  the 

Valley  of  Virginia.     Are  now  on  the  Charlottesville 
8 


58  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

road.  Must  either  be  after  Hunter  or  going  into 
Maryland.  I  pray  Christ  that  it  will  end  more  suc- 
cessfully than  the  other  invasion. 

June   15th,  near  Gordonsville. — Stopped  hereto 
camp  for  night.     Think  we  will  move  up  the  Valley. 

June  1 8th. — In  the  morning  wq  take  the  cars  for 
Lynchburg,  after  a  most  fatiguing  and  oppressive 
march.  During  Gen.  Rodes'  absence  to  visit  his 
wife,  I  have  command  of  the  Division. 

June  2 1st,  1864,  Top  of  Blue  Ridge. — Have  been 
pursuing  Yankees  at  such  a  rapid  gait,  haven't  had 
time  to  write.  Been  almost  without  rations — hard 
marching,  and  nothing  to  eat.  Start  before  day,  not 
stop  till  dark,  except  to  rest  for  ten  minutes.  We 
move  immediately. 

June  22nd,  Salem,  Va. — Since  leaving  Richmond 
have  scarcely  rested  any  to  invigorate  our  exhausted 
energies,  and  with  it  all  a  deficiency  of  rations.  For 
the  duration  of  forty-eight  hours  my  Brigade  did  not 
have  a  mouthful  of  bread,  and  but  little  flesh — very 
little  straggling  and  very  little  complaining.  Occa- 
sionally, when  Gen.  Rodes  or  Early  passed  the  line, 
the  cry  was,  "  Bread,  bread,  bread  ;"  but  through  it 
all,  we  made  a  forced  march  for  the  last  day,  and 
arrived  too  late  to  inflict  much  damage  on  the  enemy, 
which  was  very  annoying,  as  we  expected  to  get  sup- 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  t^g 

plies  from  them,  but  instead  found  only  empty  wag- 
ons and  worthless  provisions.  At  Lynchburg  the 
ladies  sent  us  supplies  of  good  edibles  for  the  Gen- 
eral ofificers.  At  Liberty  I  was  invited  out  to  break- 
fast, which  I  enjoyed  very  much. 

Note. — July,  1864,  I  returned  home  on  sick 
furlough,  being  so  completely  worn  out  from  fatigue 
and  hardship  as  to  bring  on  a  severe  attack.  Was 
in  hospital  in  Lynchburg  a  few  days  before  leaving 
for  Raleigh.  Was  quite  unwell  when  I  returned, 
and  had  surgeon's  certificate  of  unfitness  for  duty, 
but  imagined  that  duty  called  me  back  to  the  army. 

Staunton,  August  6th. — Arrived  here  sooner  than 
I  expected.  Found  Polk  and  my  horse  Warren,  who 
had  been  sent  home  to  be  taken  care  of,  waiting  for 
me.  Shall  leave  early  in  the  morning  for  Winches, 
ter.  Learn  that  our  troops  moved  into  Maryland 
Thursday. 

New  Market,  August  8th. — Have  stopped  for 
dinner.  I  have  found  a  very  agreeable  travelling 
companion  in  Captain  Burrill,  a  first  cousin  of  Gen- 
eral Lee.  Without  his  company  this  horseback  ride 
of  one  hundred  miles  would  have  been  very  lonely. 


6o  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

August  loth,  Nort  Fork  of  Shenandoah  River. — 
Have  learned  that  our  troops  have  returned,  and  are 
encamped  at  Bunker  Hill,  where  I  will  rejoin  them 
to-night. 

Stevenson's  Depot,  August  I2th. — My  surmises 
that  they  would  not  remain  long  at  Bunker  Hill  are 
correct,  and  the  indications  are  that  we  will  not  stay 
here  long,  but  cannot  conjecture  in  what  direction 
we  will  move.  General  Early  out-generals  all  of  us. 
No  one  can  guess  when  he  is  going  to  move,  or 
where  he  will  next  bring  up.  The  Yankees  begin  to 
think  him  ubiquitous. 

Strasburg,  Aug.  13th. — Have  been  expecting  a 
fight  ever  since  I  rejoined  my  command  last  Wednes- 
day, but  have  had  none  as  yet.  We  have  through 
strategic  movements  fallen  back  from  Bunker  Hill 
to  this  place.  Have  been  sick,  but  am  better.  Have 
felt  so  badly,  I  regretted  having  gone  contrary  to 
advice  in  returning  so  soon. 

August  14th.— The  enemy  are  very  quiet  to-day. 
This  morning  we  drew  up  to  attack  them,  but  they 
fell  back,  and  we  quietly  returned  to  our  rest  in  the 
woods. 

Strasburg,  Aug.  15th. — Another  day  of  rest  and 
free  from  fighting.  Had  a  delightful  serenade  from 
my  old  command. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.       6 1 

Strasburg,  Aug.  i6th. — Another  quiet  day,  and 
from  indications  think  it  may  be  several  weeks 
before  we  have  an  engagement ;  for  the  enemy, 
as  well  as  ourselves,  are  erecting  breastworks.  Gen- 
eral Anderson  will  join  us,  when,  as  we  will  be  tol- 
erably strong,  we  may  strike  a  blow  at  them. 

August  1 8th,  Near  Winchester. — Again  have  we 
driven  the  enemy  from  position,  and  followed  them 
to  this  place,  they  still  falling  back,  and  not  show- 
ing much  fight.  Their  numbers  are  double  ours. 
We  were  joined  by  Gen.  Anderson's  force  this  morn- 
ing ;  also  a  Division  of  Cavalry.  Could  not  write 
yesterday,  was  on  the  march  all  day.  Now  2  o'clock, 
and  have  not  broken  my  fast.  Am  invited  out  to 
dinner,  which  I  accept  with  pleasure. 

Bunker  Hill,  Aug.  19th. — The  enemy  continue  to 
fall  back,  and  we  have  pressed  until  reaching  the 
present  position.  What  is  Gen.  Early's  intention  I 
can't  say. 

Bunker  Hill,  Aug.  20th. — We  have  an  admirable 
camp,  but  have  had  nothing  but  beef  and  flour,  not 
even  hog  meat  or  salt,  to  help  along.  We  remain  here 
a  day  or  two  to  threaten  the  enemy.  I  received  orders 
this  morning,  when  it  was  thought  the  enemy  were 
advancing,  to  make  a  big  show  of  fight  and  bluff 
tliem  off,  if  possible ;  but  if  they  came  in  force,  to 


62  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

hold  them  a  Httle  while,  to  give  the  others  time  to 
retreat,  and  then  fall  back. 

Charlestown,  Va.,  August  2ist. — I  have  had  to- 
day a  good  many  killed  and  wounded,  we  being  in 
advance,  but  have  not  had  all  my  command  en- 
gaged. The  enemy  have  a  large  force  between  us 
and  Harper's  Ferry,  which  Early  is  demonstrating 
upon,  and  are  contesting  the  ground  most  stub- 
bornly. This  is  a  mere  feint  to  frighten  them  and 
cover  some  important  move  on  our  part.  I  have  no 
idea  we  will  fight  here,  for  the  enemy  outnumber  us 
three  to  one,  and  Early  knows  two  well  the  im- 
portance of  preserving  his  army. 

Charlestown,  August  22d. — My  experience  to- 
day has  been  varied.  Early  this  morning  we  pitched 
into  the  Yankees  and  drove  them  through  Charles- 
town to  their  position  on  Boliver  heights  where  they 
are  watching  us  and  occasionally  throwing  a  shell 
at  us.  I  have  command  of  the  front  line,  and  this 
morning  while  visiting  the  picket  line  as  soon  as 
they  spied  us  their  artillery  opened  upon  us,  which 
passed  within  a  few  feet  of  my  horse. 

August  23rd,  near  Harper's  Ferry. — Amid  the 
fighting  have  escaped  injury  so  far.  Find  every- 
thing more  plentiful  here  than  in  any  part  of  the 
valley,  and  the  people  anxious   to  conduce   to   our 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  63 

pleasure  by  every  means  in  their   power.     They  are 
loyal  to  the  backbone. 

Charlestown,  August  24th.— Another  day  spent 
between  Charlestown  and  Harper's  Ferry,  the  enemy 
occasionally  demonstrating,  and  about  12  o'clock 
to-day  their  cavalry  charged  our  picket  line  and 
drove  them  in,  and  for  the  first  time  in  many  a  day 
I  doubled  quicked  to  reach  my  command  in  time 
to  form  line  of  battle,  so  as  to  give  them  a  fitting 
reception.  At  the  time  I  was  visiting  a  neighboring 
Brigade,  but  reached  my  own  and  formed  line  of 
battle  before  any  other  troops.  After  remaining  in 
line  half  an  hour  found  there  was  no  use  and  re- 
turned to  our  resting  place. 

August  27th,  Leestown,  near  Shepardstown,  Va. 
Have  been  so  busy  for  two  days  have  not  had  time 
to  write.  Wednesday  we  left  Charlestown  and  ad- 
vanced towards  Shepardstown.  When  about  half 
way  the  enemy's  cavalry  attacked  Breckinridge's 
command,  which  caused  a  halt,  when  Rodes'  Divis- 
ion came  up,  my  Brigade  being  in  advance,  we 
formed  line  of  battle,  threw  out  one  Regiment  as 
skirmishers,  and  advanced  upon  them,  driving  them 
before  us.  W^e  chased  them  for  upwards  of  two 
hours,  many  of  the  men  fainting  from  exhaustion. 
We  drove    them   entirely  from   the   Baltimore  and 


64  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

Ohio  Railroad  and  beyond  the  turnpike,  when  we 
halted  to  rest  and  found  ourselves  two  miles  in  ad- 
vance of  any  other  troops,  when  at  the  beginning  we 
were  the  third  Division  in  the  line.  And  again  that 
morning,  when  near  Shepardstown,  and  the  others 
had  halted  for  our  approach,  we  came  upon  the 
enemy  and  followed  them  until  they  crossed  the 
Potomac.  Whenever  we  are  able  to  get  them  in  a 
run,  I  feel  really  like  a  boy  and  enjoy  the  sport  im- 
mensely. After  halting,  as  we  supposed  for  the 
night,  and  I  had  engaged  supper  for  self  and  staff, 
we  received  orders  to  move  on  the  Martinsburg 
pike,  but  I  could  not  leave  without  that  supper,  as 
I  had  eaten  nothing  since  sunrise  that  morning. 
About  lo  o'clock  that  night  reached  the  ground 
allotted  to  us,  and  after  placing  men  in  position, 
laid  down  and  slept  as  quietly  as  an  infant. 

Bunker's  Hill,  August  29th. — Am  well. 

August  30th. — Still  at  Bunker's  Hill  quiet. 

August  31st. — Severe  march  and  skirmishing. 

September  ist,  1864. — At  8  A.  M.  we  were  called 
out  and  moved  down  the  road  a  few  miles  when  we 
encountered  the  Yankee  cavalry  and  pushed  on, 
driving  them  through  Martinsburg,  leaving  large 
quantities  of  pork,  corn,  oats,  clothes,  shoes,  boots, 
&c.     I  enjoyed  the  sport,  and  after  driving  them  ten 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  65 

miles  beyond  Martinsburg,  came  back  to  camp  with- 
out the  loss  of  a  single  man,  and  few  wounded. 
We  inflicted  a  right  severe  punishment  upon  the 
enemy,  besides  a  big  fright.  They  thought  we  were 
on  the  route  to  Williamsport,  Md.  My  Brigade  was 
the  only  one  which  went  beyond  the  town,  the 
others  being  halted  on  the  edge  of  town. 

Camp  near  Winchester,  September  4th. — We  are 
having  quite  a  stirring  time,  and  giving  the  Yankees 
a  hot  time,  and  doing  a  great  deal  of  marching  our- 
selves. 

September  6th,  1864,  Stevenson's  Depot. — We 
have  moved  down  in  the  direction  of  Berryville, 
where  we  formed  to  attack  the  enemy,  but  found 
them  so  strongly  entrenched  after  skirmishing  for  a 
.couple  of  hours  we  retired  for  the  night,  when  we 
reached  camp  wet,  and  exhausted,  and  hungry,  with- 
out a  wagon  or  tent  to  shelter  us  from  the  rain, 
spent  the  night  all  exposed  and  woke  up  next  morn- 
ing drenched  to  the  skin.  About  ten  o'clock  began 
to  retire  from  the  front  of  the  enemy,  and  moved 
down  toward  this  point,  where  we  started  from  the 
day  before.  When  within  a  couple  of  miles  learned 
that  the  enemy  was  between  us  and  our  encamp- 
ment, and  driving  our  cavalry  before  them.  My 
Brigade  being  in   advance  formed  and  prepared  to 


(i^  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

fight.  Charged  them  at  double  quick,  and  had  a 
most  exciting  chase,  breaking  them  in  every  effort 
they  made  to  make  a  stand  and  drove  them  until 
night  came  on  and  prevented  further  pursuit.  This 
fight  was  during  one  of  the  severest  rains  that  I 
have  ever  seen  fall.  Tom  Devereux  had  his  horse 
killed  under  him,  and  kept  up  with  me  on  foot  until 
I  ordered  him  to  stop.  Both  he  and  Tuck  Badger 
behave  remarkably  well  under  fire. 

September  7th,  '64,  Stevenson's  Depot. — Weather 
terrible.     No  orders  to  move  to-day. 

September  loth,  1864,  Stevenson's  Depot. — The 
weather  continues  very  rainy.  We  are  now  very 
much  in  need  of  clothes  and  shoes,  there  being  at 
least  two  hundred  barefooted  and  half  naked  men 
in  my  command.  Am  using  every  exertion  to  get 
them  clothed,  but  with  all  our  rags  and  nakedness 
can  put  up  a  most  beautiful  fight.  The  men  go  into 
action  with  spirit,  and  I  feel  like  a  boy  after  being 
in  a  fight  a  few  minutes.  To-morrow  we  break  up 
camp  and  again  go  to  Bunker  Hill.  Gen.  Early  has 
been  very  successful  in  all  his  manoeuvres. 

September  nth,  1864,  Bunker  Hill. — We  have 
again  changed.  Are  now  nearer  the  Potomac  than 
on  yesterday.  Expect  to  move  again  to-day.  Had 
to  drive  the  enemy  from  this  point  so  we  could  take 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  ^-j 

possession.  I  learn  that  the  enemy's  loss  was  very 
heavy  Monday  when  my  Brigade  charged  them. 

Stevenson's  Depot,  September  13th,  1864. — We 
are  under  marching  orders.  From  the  report  of  ar- 
tillery it  will  be  up  the  Valley,  as  the  enemy  ap- 
pears to  be  advancing  in  that  direction.  The  nights 
are  very  cold,  find  two  or  three  blankets  comfortable. 

Stevenson's  Depot,  September  i6th  and  17th. — 
Had  a  serenade  last  night  given  by  the  band  of  the 
"  Old  Fourth  Regiment,"  which  I  appreciate  as  a 
mark  of  respect  and  esteem  from  my  old  command. 
Anderson's  Division  returned  to  Richmond.  Only 
our  original  force  left. 

Strasburg,  September  20th,  1864. — Yesterday  wx 
had  a  most  terrible  fight  at  Winchester,  and  we  were 
very  roughly  handled  by  the  enemy.  We  lost  a 
great  many  men,  and  our  troops  did  not  behave  with 
their  usual  valor.  With  great  exertion  on  my  part 
and  that  of  my  staff  mine  did  better  than  any  other, 
but  that  was  not  as  well  as  I  desired.  Gen.  Rodes 
was  killed.  Capt.  London,  Capt.  Still  and  Lieut. 
Barnes,  of  my  staff,  were  wounded.  The  horse  of 
one  of  my  couriers  and  my  own  horse  killed  under 
me,  and  for  nine  hours  was  under  heavy  fire,  and 
men  falling  around  me  almost  every  instant.  Have 
been  as  near  exhausted  as  a  man  could  well  be,  not 


68  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

slept  ten  hours  in  forty-eight.  It  was  the  most  try- 
ing day  of  the  war  to  me,  when  after  what  I  sup- 
posed was  a  victory,  I  saw  the  enemy  break  over 
our  cavalry  and  dash  in  rear  of  our  troops  and  cut 
and  hack  away  at  them.  Am  truly  thankful  for  my 
safety. 

Strasburg,  September  22d. — Requested  Lieut. 
Barnes  to  telegraph  you  for  fear  the  report  current 
in  the  rear  of  my  being  killed  might  reach  you.  It 
w^as  a  most  terrible  day.  In  the  beginning  we  drove 
the  enemy  and  killed  many,  and  could  have  driven 
them  into  Harper's  Ferry  but  for  the  troops  on  our 
left.  Our  cavalry  first  gave  way,  our  infantry  were 
flanked,  then  there  was  a  general  fall  back.  Ram- 
seur  has  been  assigned  to  this  Division  and  Pegram 
to  Ramseur's  old  command.  Gen.  Rodes'  place  can- 
not be  supplied.  He  is  a  serious  loss  to  the  Con- 
federacy. Capts.  London,  Still  and  Lieut.  Barnes 
are  a  great  loss  to  me ;  their  aid  was  invaluable. 
Lieut.  Howard  was  mortally  wounded  and  fell  into 
the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

New  Market,  September  24th. — Have  been  so 
busy  no  time  to  write.  Am  well  and  safe  aftermost 
fatiguing  and  dangerous  fighting  for  five  days.  My 
escapes  have  been  miraculous. 

Camp  near  Port  Republic,  September  25th. — We 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  69 

have  reached  a  place  of  safety,  after  one  of  the  most 
harassing  weeks  of  anxiety  ever  spent  by  me,  less 
on  my  own  account  than  that  of  others.  It  has 
been  fight  all  day  and  retreat  all  night.  Am  com- 
pletely exhausted. 

|Near  Port  Republic,  Sept.  26th. — A  week  this 
morning  since  we  left  camp  on  September  19th  at 
Stevenson's  Depot,  when,  in  less  than  one  hour,  en- 
countered the  enemy,  and,  forming  line,  attacked 
him ;  drove  some  distance,  inflicting  most  terrible 
punishment  upon  him,  and  then  halted. 

Everything  up  to  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  looked 
bright,  and  promised  well  for  a  complete  victory. 
The  enemy  had  turned  their  wagons  back  to  Har- 
per's Ferry  about  4  o'clock,  then  their  Cavalry 
charged  our  Cavalry,  which  was  on  the  left  of  our 
Infantry,  which  gave  way  in  confusion,  and  their 
forces  came  down  on  the  left  and  rear  of  our  column, 
when  the  troops  began  to  give  way  in  that  quarter. 
About  which  time  I  received  orders  to  swing  back 
and  front  them  from  that  direction,  allowing  the 
right  of  my  Brigade  to  remain  stationary.  Upon 
coming  into  the  open  field,  I  perceived  everything 
to  be  in  the  most  inextricable  confusion — horses 
dashing  over  the  field,  cannon  being  run  to  the  rear 
at  the  top  of   the  horses'  speed,  men  leaving  their 


70 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


command,  and  scattering  in  confusion.  My  men 
seeing  this  state  of  things  began  also  to  show  symp- 
toms of  alarm,  which  I  in  a  great  measure  checked, 
threatening  to  blow  the  brains  out  of  the  first  man 
who  left  ranks,  and  succeeded  in  quieting  them  down 
and  keeping  them  under  control.  Then  directed  my 
attention  to  arresting  the  flight  of  others,  and  many 
a  fellow  felt  the  full  weight  of  my  best  blows  from 
my  sword.  During  this  time  the  Yankee  Cavalry 
was  dashing  among  them,  cutting  and  hewing  right 
and  left.  We  then  attempted  to  fall  back  slowly, 
confronting  them  and  fighting  every  inch  of  the 
ground  which  was  done  through  to  Winchester  and 
some  four  miles  south  of  that  point.  The  ladies  of 
Winchester  came  out  in  the  streets  when  the  stam- 
pede first  began  and  formed  across  the  streets  and 
entreated  the  stragglers  to  return,  but  without  suc- 
cess. I  have  already  told  you  about  having  my 
horse  killed  under  me,  and  my  escapes  from  death" 
on  that  day  appeared  marvelous,  for  from  ten  o'clock 
in  the  morning  until  after  eight  at  night,  I  was  in 
the  thickest  of  the  fight.  Capt.  London,  poor  fel- 
low, was  shot,  and  caught  by  me  as  he  fell.  Capt. 
Foster  the  same  day  was  killed.  That  night  we 
marched  until  about  2  o'clock  when  we  lay  down 
and  slept  until  about  4,  at  which  time  we  were  again 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIxMES.  71 

on  the  road  and  reached  Strasburg  about  12  M.  on 
Tuesday,  cooked  up  rations,  and  slept  off  our  fatigue 
of  the  previous  twenty-four  hours.  I  have  never 
exerted  myself  so  much  in  my  life  and  my  voice  was 
completely  gone ;  could  scarcely  speak  above  a 
whisper.  I  was  as  sore  as  a  boil  all  over,  and  had 
to  have  Polk  (his  body  servant)  to  rub  me  over  with 
liniment.  On  Wednesday  we  erected  breastworks, 
and  prepared  for  the  advance  of  the  enemy,  and 
felt  very  secure  of  holding  the  position  of  the  com- 
mand in  front.  Were  busily  engaged  day  and  night 
up  to  about  one  o'clock  Thursday  the  22d,  when 
they  attacked  our  skirmishers  and  drove  them  in  ; 
did  not  attack  the  line  of  battle.  About  3  o'clock 
we  perceived  two  columns  moving  up  the  side  of 
the  mountain  to  our  left,  when  the  cavalry  was 
again  fronted.  I  then  urged  upon  Ramseur,  who 
commanded  our  Division,  to  send  a  Brigade  or 
two  over  to  their  assistance,  knowing  that  the  cav- 
alry would  run  if  attacked,  but  he  declined  to  do  so 
until  he  could  communicate  with  Gen.  Early,  and 
then  sent  Cox's  Brigade,  but  alas !  it  was  too  late. 
During  that  hour  I  suffered  more  than  I've  ever 
done  in  my  life.  My  anxiety  for  the  fate  of  the 
army  was  intolerable.  I  deployed  three  of  my  regi- 
ments   to    protect    my  flank    in  case  of  an  attack, 


72 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


which  about  4  o'clock  came  Hke  an  avalanche.  The 
cavalry  breaking,  my  skirmish  line  presented  but  a 
feeble  resistance.  The  enemy  attacked  me  on  my 
left  flank,  front  and  rear  at  the  same  time.  I  re- 
mained, fought  until  Ramseur  came  up  and  told  me 
to  save  my  Brigade  if  possible.  The  colors  of  the 
United  States  troops  were  then  in  less  than  a  hun- 
dred yards  of  me.  I  moved  off  by  my  right  flank, 
firing  to  the  front  and  left  as  I  marched.  Thinking 
that  we  were  going  to  fight  in  the  trenches,  had  sent 
my  horse  to  a  hollow  for  protection.  A  while  before 
this  time  I  had  fallen  in  walking  down  the  trenches 
and  sprained  my  ankle,  and  was  unable  to  hobble 
along  but  very  slowly.  Through  mistake  my  horse 
had  been  carried  from  the  place  that  I  had  ordered 
him,  and  I  found  myself  afoot  when  I  ordered  the 
troops  to  leave.  As  we  marched  by  the  flank  we 
were  firing  to  the  right,  left  and  rear.  Upon  at- 
tempting to  put  my  men  in  position  in  line,  I  found 
it  almost  an  impossibility,  on  account  of  the  near- 
ness of  the  enemy,  and  that  I  would  be  left  behind 
to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Yankees.  Just  then  a 
cannon  ball  cut  down  two  horses  in  a  caisson,  and 
the  drivers  were  engaged  in  getting  the  others  loose 
from  their  harness.  Two  were  loosened  and  the 
drivers  had  mounted  them  before   I  could  get  up, 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES. 


73 


and  others  were  cutting  out  the  other  two.  To 
procure  one  of  these  horses  was  a  matter  of  life  and 
death  with  me,  and  while  one  of  these  artillerymen 
was  cutting  away,  I  vaulted  into  the  saddle  and  told 
him  to  hurry  up,  that  I  must  have  that  horse.  He 
didn't  take  time  to  parley  with  me,  but  ran  off, 
leaving  the  horse  still  fastened  by  one  trace  to  the 
horse  that  had  been  killed,  and  I  out  with  my  knife 
and  began  to  cut  away,  when  another  driver  who  had 
by  this  time  disentangled  his  horse,  loosened  this 
trace  for  me,  and  I  put  spurs  to  my  horse,  and  the 
Yankees  then  not  over  fifty  yards  from  me,  and  I 
had  an  open  field  of  two  hundred  yards  to  run  the 
gauntlet  through,  and  but  few  other  objects  in  view 
for  them  to  shoot  at.  My  escape  was  almost  miracu- 
lous. On  my  way  I  found  Col.  Winston  broken 
down  and  took  him  behind  me.  Overtook  my 
troops  and  formed  into  line,  made  several  short 
stands,  but  the  troops  on  all  sides  were  too  much 
demoralized  to  make  a  successful  fight,  and  it  was 
fall  back  all  the  time,  and  I  was  carried  along  in  the 
current  only  by  order  when  I  found  no  support. 
This  state  of  thing  continued  up  to  nine  o'clock 
that  night,  when  we  finally  checked  the  enemy,  and 
travelled  all  night  long  until  we  reached  Mt.  Jack- 
son, where  rested  several  hours  forming  line  of  bat- 


74 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


tie,  and  then  kept  the  enemy  in  check  until  dark, 
when  we  continued  our  retreat  to  Rudes'  Hill,  near 
New  Market,  and  about  9  o'clock  next  morning  the 
enemy  again  began  to  press.  We  remained  until 
12  o'clock,  wdien  we  found  that  they  were  flanking 
us  in  the  same  manner  that  they  had  done  on  the 
two  previous  occasions,  and  Gen.  Early  then  began 
to  withdraw  us  in  line  of  battle,  which  was  very 
successfully  done  until  about  night,  w^hen  we  with- 
drew to  Brown's  Gap  and  Port  Republic,  the  place 
of  one  of  Jackson's  great  victories.  Here  we  were 
called  upon  next  day  to  go  out  and  drive  off  their 
cavalry,  which  we  did,  inflicting  considerable  loss 
upon  them. 

Weir's  Cave,  September  28th. — Moved  around  a 
good  deal  yesterday,  but  halted  for  the  night  near 
where  we  started  in  the  morning,  except  we  were  on 
the  north  side  of  the  Shenandoah.  Reported  the 
enemy  are  falling  back  to  the  Potomac. 

Waynesboro,  September  29th. — Yesterday  had  a 
most  disagreeable  march,  not  arriving  in  camp  until 
four  o'clock  this  morning,  travelling  all  night  in  the 
rear  of  a  wagon  train  to  protect  it  from  Yankee 
cavalry,  who  were  threatening  on  all  sides.  Troops 
beginning  to  recover  from  effects  of  last  week's  mis- 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  ^r 

fortunes  ;  in  tolerable  fighting  trim,  and  anxious  to 
retrieve  their  lost  reputation. 

Waynesboro,  October  ist,  1864. — Yesterday  was 
a  day  of  rest  very  essential  to  our  comfort,  for  our 
energies  were  about  exhausted.  The  enemy  are  re- 
ported to  be  falling  back  down  the  Valley,  which  I 
hope  is  so,  unless  we  had  an  opportunity  of  thrash- 
ing him. 

Mount  Sydney,  October  2nd. — Nothing  of  in- 
terest. 

Mount  Sydney,  October  3rd. — The  enemy  slowdy 
retiring  and  we  follow^ing  him  up,  but  Early  will 
profit  by  past  experience  and  not  risk  too  much. 

^  Mount  Sydney,  October  4th,  1864. — Another  day 
of  rest  and  what  was  quite  as  much  needed,  a  good 
dinner.  The  gentleman  with  whom  we  dined  was 
ransomed  by  his  wife  and  daughters  paying  all  their 
jewelry  and  silver,  and  the  house  redeemed  by  pay- 
ment of  $40  in  gold.  Enemy  near  Harrisburg  few 
miles  from  here. 

Mount  Sydney,  October  6th.— This  is  our  fourth 
day  of  rest,  and  have  made  use  of  it  to  recruit  my 
exhausted  energies.  Have  been  drilling  my  men,  for 
I  know  the  necessity  of  drilling  and  discipline  to 
make  good  soldiers,  as  I  am  anxious  that  those 
under  my  command  should  be. 


76  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

Harrisonburg,  October  7th. — Again  on  the  march 
following  the  enemy. 

Camp  near  New  Market,  October  9th. — It  is 
probable  we  will  remain  in  our  present  position  for 
some  time.  Enemy  been  driven  below  Strasburg, 
and  as  they  destroyed  everything  on  their  retreat, 
we  have  not  the  wherewithal  to  subsist  our  army  on. 
Country  a  perfect  desolation.  All  stock  and  pro- 
visions destroyed. 

New  Market,  October  loth. — Ordered  down  the 
turnpike  to  meet  the  enemy.  Having  gone  four 
miles,  were  ordered  to  return  to  camp. 

New  Market,  October  i  ith. — Just  received  orders 
to  cook  two  days'  rations  and  be  ready  to  move  at 
sunrise  in  the  morning. 

Near  Woodstock,  October  13th. — Are  moving 
towards  Strasburg.  Enemy  reported  as  lower  down 
the  Valley. 

Near  Strasburg,  October  14th. — Yesterday  after- 
noon attacked  the  enemy,  gained  quite  a  little 
victory. 

Near  Strasburg,  Oct.  15th.— Stationary.     Nothing 
of  importance. 

Near  Strasburg,  Oct.  i6th. — Enemy  quiet  on  other 
side  Cedar  Creek. 

Near  Strasburg,  Oct.  17th. — Yesterday  reported  to 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  'j'j 

Gen.  Rosser  (Cavalry  General).  About  dark  mounted 
my  men  behind  his,  took  a  by-path  over  the  moun- 
tains, over  the  most  rugged  roads  I  ever  travelled. 
About  3  o'clock  came  up  in  rear  of  Yankee  camp. 
Dismounting  my  men,  prepared  to  charge  them.  We 
had  been  informed  a  Cavalry  Division  were  en- 
camped at  this  place,  but  found  only  forty  men, 
every  one  of  whom  we  captured  with  their  horses. 
Had  a  pleasant  time. 

Near   Strasburg,   Oct.    1 8th.— Enemy  remarkably 
quiet. 

New  Market,  Oct.  20th.— Yesterday  morning, 
after  marching  all  night,  flanked  the  enemy  in  their 
position,  whipping  them  badly,  and  driving  them 
from  their  breastworks,  capturing  twenty-odd  pieces 
of  artillery,  driving  them  several  miles.  Our  left 
wing  shamefully  gave  way,  which  necessitated  the 
drawing  in  of  our  lines,  which  was  done  in  consider- 
able confusion.  At  that  time  the  Yankee  Cavalry 
charged  and  completely  routed  our  men.  It  was 
impossible  to  check  the  flight,  officers  and  men  be- 
having shamefully.  Twice  the  Yankees  got  between 
me  and  the  route  I  had  to  travel,  which  rendered  it 
necessary  for  me  to  take  the  woods  to  avoid  capture. 
About  seven  o'clock  arrived  at  a  place  on  Fisher's 
Hill,  where  we  halted  to  endeavor  to  gather  up  the 


-rg  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

stragglers  and  rearrange  our  troops.  After  resting 
a  few  hours,  fell  back  to  this  place.  It  was  the 
hardest  day's  work  I  ever  engaged  in — trying  to  rally 
the  men.  Took  our  flags  at  different  times,  beg. 
ging,  commanding,  entreating  the  men  to  rally — 
would  ride  up  and  down  the  lines,  beseeching  them 
by  all  they  held  sacred  and  dear,  to  stop  and  fight, 
but  without  any  success.  I  don't  mean  my  Brigade 
only,  but  all.  The  demoralization  was  too  great. 
All  my  exertions  were  of  no  avail.  I  was  riding  a 
horse  that  I  captured  in  our  night  attack  upon  the 
cavalry  which  I  mention  in  my  letter  of  last  Monday, 
and  had  him  killed  by  a  shell  early  in  the  engage- 
ment, while  on  his  back,  the  shell  not  missing  my 
leg  two  inches.  Afterwards  found  a  horse  on  the 
field,  rode  him  the  remainder  of  the  day.  He  also 
was  struck,  but  not  much  hurt.  Had  a  ball  to  strike 
me  on  the  leg,  but  so  slightly  that  the  blow  was 
scarcely  perceptible,  the  ball  having  expended  its 
force.  General  Ramseur  was  wounded  mortally,  and 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  General  Battle, 
of  Alabama,  severely  wounded.  The  only  salvation 
for  this  army  and  the  country  will  be  to  inflict  severe 
punishment  on  all  who  fail  to  discharge  their  duty. 
There  will  be  a  general  Court  Martial  this  afternoon, 
and  all  delinquents  will  be  tried. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  ^q 

Camp  near  New  Market,  Oct.  22d. — I  am  now  in 
command  of  Rodes'  old  Division — very  busily  en- 
gaged all  my  time  in  correcting  abuses  that  have  crept 
into  the  department  during  the  long  and  arduous 
campaign — inspecting  camp,  attending  drills,  and 
hope  if  we  are  allowed  a  few  weeks  to  discipline  these 
troops,  to  have  them  as  good  and  efficient  as  they 
were  in  their  best  days. 

New  Market,  Oct.  23rd,  24th  and  25th.— Still 
quiet.     Busily  engaged  re-organizing. 

October  26th. — Enemy  quiet  for  the  present. 
Don't  know  how  long  it  will  last.  Have  no  idea 
when  we  will  go  into  winter  quarters. 

New  Market,  Oct.  27th  to  31st. — Employed  in 
drilling  and  disciplining  troops.  All  have  the  great- 
est confidence  in  General  Early.  No  blame  can  be 
attached  to  him  for  our  failures.  Simply  want  of 
discipline  among  the  troops. 


(Report  of  the  part  taken  by  Rodes'  Division   in  the  action  of  Octo- 
ber 19th,  1864. 


Headquarters  Rodes'  Division,  October  31st,  1864. 
Capt.  Sam'l  J.  C.  Moore,  a.  a.  G.: 

Captain  :    In   obedience   to   orders   from  Corps 
Headquarters,  I  have  the  honor  of  submitting  the 


8o  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

following  report  as  the  part  taken  by  Rodes'  Divis- 
ion in  the  action  on  the  19th  October,  1864  : 

About  dark  on  the  evening  of  the  i8th  the  Di- 
vision moved  from  camps  on  Fisher's  Hill  and  was 
halted  for  an  hour  or  more  near  the  pike,  in  order 
that  Maj,-Gen.  Gordon  in  command  of  the  force, 
who  was  to  move  to  the  enemy's  rear,  could  commu- 
nicate with  Lieut.-Gen.  Early. 

This  halt  was  caused,  as  I  unofficially  learned,  in 
consequence  of  information  received  that  the  enemy 
were  fortifying  that  evening  on  their  left  flank. 
About  8  P,  M.  the  march  was  resumed  and  after 
passing  the  stone  bridge  filed  to  the  right  and  passed 
by  a  circuitous  route  around  the  base  of  Fort  Moun- 
tain, by  a  blind  path,  where  the  troops  had  to  march 
in  single  file.  The  order  of  March  was  Gordon, 
Rodes,  Pegram.  Upon  reaching  the  Shenandoah, 
where  crossed  by  the  Manassas  Gap  Railroad,  the 
column  was  halted  and  massed  for  the  rear  to  close 
up.  So  soon  as  this  was  done,  about  i  A.  M.,  we 
again  moved  forward,  following  the  track  of  the 
railroad  until  near  Bucktown  Station,  where  we 
again  halted  for  an  hour  and  a  half  waiting  the  ar- 
rival of  the  cavalry,  who  crossed  the  river  in  advance 
and  drove  in  the  enemy's  pickets. 

About  four   and   half  A.  M.  the  infantry  com- 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  8 1 

menced  crossing  the  Shenandoah  near  Col.  Bow- 
man's house  in  two  columns.  The  passage  was 
effected  with  great  rapidity  and  in  good  order  though 
the  rear  necessarily  had  to  doublequick  for  some  dis- 
tance to  close  up.  The  order  of  march  was  as  fol- 
lows :  Battle,  Cook,  Cox,  Grimes.  On  arriving  within 
a  half  a  mile  of  the  Valley  Pike,  Battle's  Brigade 
was  formed  parallel  with  the  same,  and  moved  for- 
ward in  line  of  battle.  The  other  Brigades  con- 
tinued moving  by  the  flank  for  about  three  hundred 
yards,  when  they  were  faced  to  the  left  and  ordered 
forward  changing  direction  to  the  right.  Battle  soon 
struck  the  Eighth  Corps  of  the  enemy,  and  charging, 
gallantly  drove  them  in  great  confusion  but  was 
himself  seriously  wounded  whilst  nobly  leading  his 
Brigade,  the  command  of  which  then  devolved  on 
Lieut.-Col.  Robeson,  5th  Alabama.  Cook  and  Cox 
continued  to  advance,  swinging  to  the  right,  driving 
the  enemy  in  their  front  with  but  slight  resistance 
for  upward  of  half  a  mile,  when  Gen.  Cox  reporting 
that  he  was  flanked  on  the  left,  a  temporary  halt 
was  made  until  reinforcements  were  sent  forward, 
when  these  two  Brigades  again  advanced,  Cook 
capturing  several  cannon,  caissons,  ammunition, 
wagons,  &c. 

This    movement    left    a    wide  interval    between 
II 


82  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

Cook's  right  and  Battle's  left,  which  was  subse- 
quently filled  by  Pegram's  Division.  In  the  mean- 
time Grimes'  Brigade  was  recalled  from  the  left  and 
moved  by  the  right  flank  through  the  abandoned 
camp  of  the  Eighth  Corps,  which  had  been  com- 
pletely routed,  faced  to  the  front,  and  advanced  to 
the  pike,  connecting  with  Battle's  right.  This 
formation  was  perfected  about  sunrise. 

The  enemy  being  then  in  position  on  a  small 
creek  to  the  left  of  the  Pike,  with  their  artillery  on 
a  high  ridge  in  their  rear,  and  firing  into  our  line  of 
battle,  but  the  smoke  and  fog  obscured  the  troops 
so  that  their  fire  was  inaccurate.  Here  Major-Gen. 
Ramseur  had  skirmishers  thrown  to  the  front  and 
to  the  right  driving  the  sharpshooters  of  the  enemy 
from  Middletown.  The  Division  remained  here  per- 
haps half  an  hour,  until  a  battery  was  brought  into 
position  on  the  right  of  the  Pike,  when  Gen.  Ram- 
seur again  ordered  an  advance,  which  was  made  in 
good  order,  and  with  a  gallantry  never  exceeded. 
In  this  advance  Battle's  Brigade  charged  a  battery 
in  its  front,  capturing  in  addition  to  six  guns  many 
prisoners  and  a  flag.  The  Sixth  Corps  was  found 
posted  on  a  hill  in  rear  of  this  battery,  and  iTfade  a 
most  stubborn  resistance.  Grimes'  Brigade  was  or- 
dered forward  and  charged  them  most  gallantly,  but 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  83 

being  greatly  overlapped  on  both  flanks  was  forced 
to  fall  back  and  reform  after  advancing  as  far  as  the 
cemetery.  At  this  time  there  was  an  interval  of 
three  hundred  yards  between  this  and  Battle's 
Brigade.  Colonel  Smith's  Brigade  of  Wharton's 
Division  was  now  brought  into  action  on  Grimes' 
right  and  charged  the  same  wooded  hill,  but  was 
likewise  repulsed,  when  Wofford's  Brigade  of  Ker- 
shaw's Division,  which  had  been  ordered  to  report 
to  Major-Gen.  Ramseur,  arrived  on  the  ground  and 
was  posted  behind  a  stone  fence  to  the  right  of 
Grimes,  it  not  being  thought  advisable  to  move 
against  the  strong  position  of  the  enemy. 

The  artillery  was  at  this  time,  about  8  A.  M., 
massed  on  the  hills  near  the  Pike  and  the  infantry 
remained  quiet  until  by  a  concentrated  fire  from  the 
artillery  the  Sixth  Corps  was  dislodged  from  its  po- 
sition, where  they  had  erected  temporary  breast- 
works of  rails,  stones,  &c.  Upon  this  hill  the  Divis- 
ion was  reformed,  cartridge  boxes  refilled  and  rested 
upwards  of  an  hour.  During  this  time  skirmishers 
were  advanced  and  found  that  the  enemy  had  again 
made  a  stand  at  the  edge  of  the  woods,  about  three 
fourths  of  a  mile  in  advance.  We  then  moved  for- 
ward and  joined  our  left  to  Kershaw's  right,  halting 
in  the  road  leading   from   Middletown  and  at  right 


84 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


angles  to  the  Pike.  Here  again  we  halted  perhaps 
for  an  hour,  and  then  moved  forward  in  echelon  by 
Brigade  from  the  left,  which  was  occupied  by  Cook 
with  Cox's  Brigade  in  reserve,  and  took  position  be- 
hind a  stone  fence.  During  this  time  the  enemy 
were  firing  from  their  artillery,  engaging  ours  on  the 
hills  in  our  rear.  Our  skirmishers  all  the  while  were 
engaged  with  those  of  the  enemy  and  who  had 
driven  in  our  left,  but  they  in  turn  were  repulsed  by 
our  line  of  battle.  In  this  position  Grimes'  Brigade 
was  about  one  hundred  yards  to  the  right  and  rear 
of  Battle's  with  an  interval  of  from  two  to  three 
hundred  yards  between  his  right  and  Pegram's  left. 
At  half  past  three  P.  M.  our  skirmishers  were  driven 
in  and  the  enemy  advanced  their  line  of  battle. 
Grimes'  Brigade  was  "doublequicked  "  upon  the  line 
with  Battle  to  meet  this  advance  on  the  part  of  the 
enemy,  and  Cox  moved  up  on  a  line  with  Cook  and 
to  his  left,  which  advance  was  repulsed  most  gal- 
lantly, the  enemy  fleeing  in  disorder  and  confusion, 
throwing  down  their  arms  and  battle  flags  in  their 
retreat.  The  musketry  on  our  left  still  continued 
to  increase  and  at  the  time  our  troops  were  cheering 
for  this  repulse  of  the  enemy,  the  line  on  our  left 
was  seen  to  give  back,  and  the  troops  to  retreat 
without  any  organization.     Gen.  Ramseur  then  or- 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  8$ 

dered  the  different  Brigades  of  this  Division  to  fall 
back  and  form  on  a  stone  fence  about  two  hundred 
yards  in  rear,  which  was  promptly  done,  and  the  ad- 
vance of  the  enemy  in  our  front  prevented.  While 
holding  this  position,  the  gallant  and  chivalrous 
Gen.  Ramseur  was  mortally  wounded  and  brought 
from  the  field.  The  troops  on  the  left  had  by  this 
time  entirely  given  way,  and  were  running  to  the 
rear  in  great  confusion.  The  enemy  were  then  in 
front  and  to  the  left  and  rear  of  the  left  flank  of 
this  Division,  when  they  began  to  fall  back  in  the 
same  disorderly  manner  as  those  on  the  left. 

Our  organization  up  to  this  time  was  intact. 
Upon  the  order  being  given  to  retire,  did  so,  but  the 
stampede  on  left  was  caught  up,  and  no  threats  or 
entreaties  could  arrest  their  flight.  Great  and  re- 
peated exertions  were  made  by  the  officers  of  the 
higher  ranks  to  check  the  men,  but  all  their  exer- 
tions were  unavailing. 

Upon  reaching  the  south  side  of  Cedar  Creek,  a 
few,  perhaps  to  the  number  of  two  hundred,  from 
Cook's  and  Grimes'  Brigades,  formed  on  the  right 
of  the  Pike  near  Hupp  Hill,  but  when  the  stream  of 
stragglers  came  running  over  the  hill,  with  the  cry 
that  the  cavalry  were  across  the  creek,  and  prepared 
to  charge,  these    few   likewise  scattered,  and   could 


86  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

not  be  kept  together.  Up  to  the  hour  of  4  P.  M. 
the  troops  of  this  Division,  both  officers  and  men, 
with  a  few  exceptions,  behaved  most  admirably,  and 
were  kept  well  in  hand,  but  little  plundering,  and 
only  a  few  shirking  their  duty.  After  that  hour,  all 
was  confusion  and  disorder.  The  Brigade  com- 
manders conducted  themselves,  each  and  all,  with 
great  coolness  and  judgment,  and  are  deserving  of 
especial  mention,  using  all  possible  efforts  to  check 
their  troops,  but  without  success. 

The  death  of  the  brave  and  heroic  soldier,  Gen-    / 
eral  Ramseur,  is  not  only  a  loss  to  this  Division,  but 
to  his  State  and  the  country  at  large.     No  truer  or 
nobler  spirit   has   been   sacrificed   in  this  unjust  and 
unholy  war. 

The  conduct  of  the  officers  composing  the  staff 
of  this  Division  cannot  be  too  highly  lauded  for 
their  gallantry  and  efficiency:  Major  Peyton  for  the 
coolness  and  promptness  with  which  he  conveyed 
orders  on  the  field  ;  Major  Hutchinson  for  his  effi- 
ciency, who  was  captured,  escaped  from  the  enemy, 
and  again  captured  late  in  the  evening;  Captain 
Randolph  displayed  his  usual  daring ;  Major  Whi- 
ting, Inspector,  rendered  signal  services  by  prevent- 
ing all  straggling  and  plundering;  and  Lieut.   Rich- 


MATOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES. 


87 


mond,  A.  D.   C,    for   his  assistance   and   alacrity  in 
transmitting  orders. 

For  the  conduct  of   others   who   deserve  especial 
mention,  you   are   respectfully  referred  to  reports  of 
Brigade  commanders  herewith  transmitted. 
I  am,  Captain, 

Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  Bryan  Grimes, 

Brig.  Gen.  Covwiand'g  Division. 

(Further  Extracts  from  Letters  to  his  Wife.) 

Near  New  Market,  November  ist,  1864. — The 
duties  of  camp  are  suspended  to-day  for  the  purpose 
of  commemorating  our  respect  and  attachment  for 
our  two  late  commanders,  Rodes  and  Ramseur.  I 
could  not  participate  in  the  meeting,  owing  to  a  sum- 
mons from  General  Early  to  meet  all  Division  Com- 
manders, which  detained  me  six  hours. 

Camp  near  New  Market,  November  2d  to  4th. — 
I  am  still  here.  Jt  has  rained  incessantly  for  two 
days.  Am  busy  re-organizing  Rodes'  Division,  which 
I  still  command. 

New  Market,  November  5th. — No  news  from  the 
enemy.     They  are  still  near   Strasburg.     Our  move- 


88  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

ments  depend  on   theirs.     If  they   reinforce  Grant, 
we  will  demonstrate  in  order  to  draw  them  back. 

Headquarters  Rodes'  Division,  November  6th. — 
Yesterday  moved  camp  to  present  position,  where 
we  have  abundance  of  wood  and  water.  The  moun- 
tains are  covered  with  snow  this  morning — very  hard 
on  barefooted  and  half  naked  men. 

November  7th. — Weather  continues  bad. 

November  8th  and  9th. — Still  at  New  Market. 
Yesterday  at  Early's  Headquarters  learned  the  enemy 
had  36,000  effective  men  for  the  field.  More  than 
three  times  our  number.  At  recent  fights  they  must 
have  had  at  least  five  to  one.  If  not  for  their  cav- 
alry, we  could  soon  drive  their  infantry  out  of  the 
Valley.  When  the  history  of  the  war  is  written,  and 
the  disparity  of  the  forces  engaged  is  considered,  we 
will  come  out  with  honor;  and  if  justice  is  done,  it 
will  be  shown  that  we  have  done  our  duty. 

Learned  that  after  election  in  the  United  States, 
that  their  troops  would  be  moved  to  some  other 
quarter.     They  are  still  fortifying  Winchester. 

Camp  near  New  Market,  November  loth. — We 
leave  here  to-day  to  demonstrate  against  the  enemy, 
to  cause  to  return  with  their  troops  to  prevent  rein- 
forcement of  Grant.  If  we  accomplish  that,  it  will 
be  all  that  can  be  expected  of  us. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES. 


November  I2th. — Have  again  advanced,  and  are 
between  Middletown  and  Winchester.  Enemy  fall- 
ing back — don't  seem  disposed  to  fight. 

November  13th. — We  found  the  enemy,  and 
General  Early  having  accomplished  his  purpose,  re- 
tired last  night,  and  are  on  our  way  to  our  old  camp. 
November  14th. — Have  just  reached  our  old  camp. 
Too  tired  to  write.  In  five  days  have  been  eating 
both  meals  at  night — one  before  day  in  the  morning, 
the  other  after  dark. 

November  15th  to  19th. — Still  at  New  Market. 
Weather  bitterly  cold. 

November  20th  to  22d. — Weather  still  continues 
bad,  but  with  a  good  chimney  to  my  tent  keep  tol- 
erably comfortable.  General  Early  does  not  speak 
of  going  into  winter  quarters. 

Headquarters  Rodes'  Division,  near  New  Market, 
November  23d. — Yesterday  morning  just  before  day 
Gen.  Early  sent  me  word  that  the  enemy  were  ad- 
vancing and  to  take  my  command  out  to  meet  them. 
The  ground  was  covered  with  snow  but  in  half  an 
hour  v/e  were  under  arms  and  on  the  w^ay  to  meet 
them.  After  going  about  seven  miles  down  the 
turnpike  to  Rudes'  Hill  found  that  our  cavalry  had 
been  driven  through  Mount  Jackson  and  the  enemy 

had  crossed  the  north  fork  of  the  Shenandoah  and 
12 


90  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

were  advancing  rapidly.  I  rode  forward,  recon- 
noitered,  p«ut  my  men  in  position  and  attacked  them. 
There  were  about  4000  of  them,  all  cavalry.  When 
we  struck  them  they  made  a  bold  stand  and  at- 
tempted to  charge,  but  we  pressed  the  shot  into 
them  so  steadily  and  rapidly  that  they  could  not 
stand  it,  and  began  to  retreat  in  disorder,  which  I 
pressed  all  the  harder,  and  drove  them  five  miles, 
routing  them  every  time  they  attempted  to  make  a 
stand.  My  men  were  pretty  well  used  up  with 
fatigue  when  I  discontinued  the  pursuit  and  re- 
turned to  camp  cold,  hungry,  and  broken  down  after 
my  men  had  marched  and  waded  twenty-four  miles. 

Headquarters  Rodes'  Division,  November  24th 
and  28th. — We  are  here  with  the  thermometer  down 
to  about  20  deg.  and  the  coldest  nights  imaginable. 
Hope  we  will  go  into  winter  quarters  soon. 

Headquarters  Rodes'  Division. — Yesterday  had 
a  long  ride  and  returned  after  dark,  but  feel  that  I 
will  here  accomplish  a  good  thing  if  the  Yankee 
cavalry  venture  another  reconnoissance  to  find  out 
where  we  are.  Our  object  is  to  get  in  their  rear  and 
cut  off  all  *  ^  ^  and  as  there  will  be  but 
one  ford  to  the  river  by  which  they  can  rejoin  their 
command,  and  all  arrangements  are  made  to  get 
possession  of  that  ford  by  taking  a  circuitous  route 


MAJOR-GE.NERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  gi 

with  our  Division  while  the  others  demonstrate  in 
front.  But  if  they  don't  advance  in  ten  days,  we 
will  miss  an  opportunity  to  inflict  a  severe  blow  upon 
their  cavalry.  Provisions  and  forage  are  very  scarce. 
Some  of  our  troops  have  had  unground  corn  issued 
to  them. 

Headquarters  Rodes'  Division,  November  30th.— r 
Everything  quiet  with  only  a  rumor  that  Gen. 
Rosser  had  whipped  the  enemy  at  Moorefield. 
When  he  returns,  it  is  thought  we  will  go  into  win- 
ter quarters. 

Headquarters  Rodes'  Division,  December  2d. — 
Gen.  Rosser's  success  was  quite  brilliant,  destroying 
two  bridges,  two  hundred  wagons,  nine  locomotive 
engines,  besides  immense  amount  of  quartermaster's 
and  commissary  stores,  and  capturing  nine  pieces  of 
artillery,  500  prisoners,  1000  horses  and  mules,  and 
several  hundred  beef  cattle.  This  is  the  expedition 
I  wrote  you  about  in  former  letter. 

Headquarters  Rodes'  Division,  near  New  Market, 
December  2d. — I  think  it  probable  that  we  will  reach 
the  point  at  which  we  are  to  winter  about  the  loth 
of  this  month. 

December  4th. — Still  at  New  Market. 

December  6th. — We  are  again  disappointed  in 
receiving  no  orders  to  prepare  for  winter  quarters. 


92 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


All  manner  of  conjectures  are  rife.  I  think  Gen. 
Early  is  actuated  simply  and  solely  by  what  he  con- 
siders the  good  of  the  service,  and  is  awaiting  defi- 
nite information  as  to  the  intention  of  the  enemy, 
and  contrary  as  it  would  be  to  my  wishes,  if  we 
could  accomplish  any  commensurate  good,  would  be 
willing  again  to  go  down  the  Valley  and  attack 
Sheridan,  and  if  necessary  stay  there,  although  it 
would  interfere  with  my  long  cherished  desire  to 
spend  a  quiet  winter,  but  in  my  present  position  the 
public  interest  is  to  be  considered  before  private 
preference,  and  the  higher  a  man  rises  in  the  mili- 
tary service  the  fewer  privileges  can  he  enjoy,  for 
he  cannot  ask  indulgence  when  he  feels  the  good  of 
the  country  will  be  jeopardized,  and  as  I  am  now 
commanding  a  Division,  will  have  to  remain  here 
until  some  one  else  comes  to  fill  the  place. 

Near  New  Market,  December  8th. — Two  of  our 
Divisions,  Gordon's  and  Pegram's,  left  yesterday.  I 
presume  some  important  move  is  on  hand.  The 
enemy  have  sent  one  of  their  Corps  from  our  front. 

Headquarters  Rodes'  Division,  December  loth. — 
This  morning  the  whole  surface  of  the  earth  is  cov- 
ered with  snow  two  inches  deep. 

Near   New  Market,   December   13th. — Have  or- 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  93 

ders  to  proceed  to  Richmond  to-morrow  morning — 
expect  to  reach  there  Friday  or  Saturday. 

Richmond,  December  i6th. — Arrived  here  early 
this  morning,  and  am  awaiting  orders  from  Gen. 
Lee. 

Headquarters  Rodes'  Division,  near  Petersburg, 
Dec.  1 8th. — We  have  arrived  at  our  destination, 
and  are  located  about  three  miles  from  Petersburg, 
and  hope  to-day  to  be  able  to  make  arrangements 
for  the  winter. 

Headquarters  Army  Northern  Virginia,  29th  Dec,  1864. 
CiraUar  {Confidential^ 

General  :  I  desire  that  you  will  avail  yourself 
of  the  present  period  of  inactivity  to  re-organize  and 
recruit  the  troops  in  your  command  as  far  as  prac- 
ticable. 

Ascertain  what  regiments,  if  any,  it  would  be  ad- 
vantageous to  consolidate,  and  how  such  vacancies 
as  may  exist  among  the  officers  can  best  be  filled. 
In  every  case  in  which  you  may  think  the  officer  to 
be  promoted  unsuitable  for  the  new  grade,  you  will 
forward  a  report  as  to  his  qualifications,  in  order  that 
he  may  be  brought  before  an  examining  board. 

The  difficulty  of  filling  vacancies  properly  during 
active  operations,  and  the  importance  of  habituating 


94 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


the  officers,  who  are  to  be  promoted,  to  the  duties 
of  their  new  positions,  render  it  proper  that  there 
should  be  no  delay. 

Very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  R.  E.  Lee,  GciiL 

Official : 

V.  Dabney,  a.  a.  Gcnl. 
Brig.  Gen.  Grimes,  CommamV g  Division. 

6th  January,   1S65 

Gen.  Grimes: 

General  Pickett  has  been  directed  to  send  one 
Brigade  to  the  north  side.  This  thins  his  line  some- 
what. You  may  have  to  move  up  to  support  him. 
He  has  been  informed  that  should  occasion  require 
that  he  should  have  assistance,  and  should  he  re- 
quest it  of  you,  that  you  would  be  instructed  to 
move  up  at  once  without  waiting  for  orders  from 
here.  Please  govern  your  action  accordingly. 
By  order  of  Gen.  Lee  : 

(Signed)  W.  H.  Taylor, 

A.  A,  G. 
Brig.  Gen.  Grimes,  Comniand'g  Division. 


•       MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  95 

Headquarters  Pickett's  Division,  Jan.  7th,  1865. 

General : 

General  Pickett  has  just  received  a  telegram  from 
General  Lee  stating  that  a  Brigade  from  your  Di- 
vision has  been  ordered  to  relieve  our  right  Brigade 
(Tovey's)  early  in  the  morning,  so  as  to  enable  it  to 
occupy  the  line  formerly  held  by  General  Corse. 
The  General  desires  me  to  say  to  you  that  great 
caution  would  have  to  be  observed  to  prevent  the 
movement  of  the  troops  from  being  seen  from  "  the 
Tower;"  that  it  will  probably  be  best  to  delay  re- 
lieving the  picket  until  after  dark  to-morrow  night. 
He  advises  that  you  send  as  large  a  Brigade  as  pos- 
sible, as  General  Tovey's  line  at  present  covers  a 
great  deal  of  ground.  He  suggests  also  that  the 
officer  who  relieves  this  Brigade  had  better  see  Col- 
onel Florivree,  who  is  in  command  at  this  time,  as 
early  as  possible  in  the  morning,  to  make  such  ar- 
rangements as  will  most  effectually  secure  the  move- 
ments of  the  men  from  being  observed  by  the  enemy. 
I  am.  General, 

Very  respectfully, 

(Signed)  E.  R.  Baird,  A.  B.C. 

To  Brig.  Gen.  B.  Grimes,  Cojiimand'g Division. 


q6  extracts  of  letters  of         • 

Headquarters  A.  N.  Va.,  Jan.  7th.  1865. 

General : 

General  Lee  bids  me  say  that  he  wishes  you  to- 
morrow morning  to  move  one  of  your  Brigades  to 
the  position  now  occupied  by  General  Pickett's  right 
Brigade  on  the  Bermuda  Hundreds  line. 

His  object  is  to  relieve  that  Brigade,  so  that  it 
can  be  moved  to  another  point.  You  will  find  com- 
fortable huts  on  the  line,  which  the  Brigade  will  oc- 
cupy. In  all  military  operations  the  commanding 
officer  of  the  Brigade  will  report  to  General  Pickett 
while  on  his  line.  General  Gordon  has  been  notified 
of  this  order. 

I  am,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  C.  S.  Venable, 

Lieut.  Col.  &  A.  D.C. 
Brig.  Gen.  Bryan  Grimes,  Coniuiand'g  Division. 

Headquarters  Army  Northern  Virgiania,  30th  Jan.,  1S65. 
Brig.-Gen.  Bryan  Grimes,  Conujianding  Division  : 

General:  The  General  Commanding  desires 
you  to  have  your  Division  prepared  to  move  promptly 
in  the  morning  should  you  receive  orders  to  that 
effect. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  97 

Have  everything  in  readiness  to  move  without 
delay. 

It  may  be  necessary  to  send  you  to  the  north 
side  of  the  James  river. 

Very  respectfully, 
(Signed,)  W.  H.  Taylor,  A.  A.  G. 

II  P.  M.,  5th  February,  1S65. 

Gen.  Grimes  : 

The  enemy's  cavalry  have  not  passed  beyond 
Dinwiddie  C.  H.  They  advanced  to  that  point  and 
then  retired. 

The  General  says  you  need  not  go  up  the  road. 
He  wishes  you  to  remain  where  you  are,  or  near, 
any  where  near  it.  Your  men  can  be  made  com- 
fortable for  the  night.  If  they  cannot  be  made 
comfortable,  you  will  move  down  the  Boydton  plank- 
road  until  you  can  get  to  some  wood.  If  you  move, 
report  your  location  when  you  halt. 
Respectfully, 
(Signed,)  W.  H.  Taylor,  A.  A.  G. 

Headquarters  Second  Corps,  Feb.  15th,  7  o'clock  P.  M. 

Colonel:  The  note  from  Gen.  Ransom's  Head- 
quarters in  relation  to  movement  of  troops  is  re- 
ceived. If  there  is  an  accumulation  of  force  on 
this  flank  by  the  enemy  with  a  view  to  serious  move 
13 


98 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


against  the  S.  S.  R.  R.  this  weather  may  delay  it, 
but  I  should  be  glad  to  have  Grimes'  Division  keep 
in  readiness  to  join  me  should  the  Commanding 
General  think  proper  to  have  him  report  to  me  in 
case  of  a  battle. 

I  am,  Colonel, 

Very  respectfully, 
(Signed,)  J.  B.  GORDON, 

Major- General  Coniinanding. 
To  Col.  Taylor,  A.  A.  G. 

[Endorsed  as  follows.] 

Gex.  Grimes  : 

A  movement  of  trains  loaded  with  troops  to  the 

enemy's  left  was  reported  this  evening,  and  you  had 

better  keep  your  Division  prepared  to  move.  Though 

it  may  not  be  necessary,  it  is  advisable  to  be  ready. 

Very  respectfully, 

VV.  H.  Taylor,  A.  A.  G. 

15th  February,  1865. 

[Further  extracts  from  letters  to  his  wife.] 

February  15th. — Remained  in  camp  near  Peters- 
burg until  about  the  middle  of  the  month.  Request 
from  Gen.  Gordon  to  have  Grimes'  Division  report 
to  him  in  case  of  battle.  Received  my  commission 
as  Major-General  15th  February,  1865. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  qq 

Sutherland  Depot,  February  24th,  12  miles  from 
Petersburg. —  Left  camp  and  came  here  as  there 
was  a  prospect  of  a  fight,  but  the  heavy  rains  have 
delayed  it. 

February  28th. — Still  at  Sutherland's  Depot.  In 
accepting  the  appointment  of  Major-General,  I  hope 
I  shall  never  bring  discredit  upon  myself.  The 
higher  the  position  the  more  there  is  expected,  and 
like  all  others  who  have  done  their  duty  in  this  war, 
have  made  enemies,  but  care  little  for  them,  pro- 
vided I  can  perform  my  duties  satisfactorily  to  my 
superior  ofificers  and  for  the  good  of  the  country. 

Sutherland's  Depot,  March  ist. — Have  been 
riding  all  day  in  order  to  learn  the  different  roads  in 
the  surrounding  country,  and  laying  off  new  ones  to 
enable  me  to  move  with  rapidity  to  any  point  when 
my  services  may  be  required. 

Sutherland's,  March  2d. — Nothing  of  interest. 
Still  stuck  in  the  mud. 

March  3d  and  5th. — Roads  still  in  such  bad  con- 
dition that  they  are  almost  impassable. 

March  7th  and  8th.— Still  at  Sutherland's.  Had 
a  serenade  last  night — the  only  thing  to  break  the 
monotony.     Weather  still  continues  bad. 

March  9th.— Still  quiet. 

March  loth. — This  is  the  day  set   apart  by  the 


lOO         EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

President  for  thanksgiving  and  prayer,  but  the 
weather  is  so  bad  no  service  can  be  held  out  of 
doors. 

March  12th. — Am  worn  out  from  fatigue  and 
want  of  sleep.  Received  orders  at  2  A.  M.  to  leave 
for  Dunlap's  before  daylight.  At  4  A.  M.  began  the 
march  and  upon  nearly  reaching  the  pontoon,  re- 
ceived another  dispatch  countermanding  the  order. 
There  was  a  rumor  that  Sheridan's  raiders  were 
moving  on  Richmond,  and  that  caused  the  move. 

Petersburg,  March  14th,  1865. — Yesterday  re- 
ceived orders  to  come  to  Petersburg  and  relieve 
Bushrod  Johnson's  Division,  which  I  did,  completing 
my  march  about  12  o'clock  last  night.  Suffered  ter- 
ribly from  sick  nervous  headache,  attributed  to  a 
glass  of  wine  I  took  at  General  Lee's,  who  noticed 
that  I  looked  pale  and  fatigued,  and  recommended 
a  glass  of  wine,  and  as  this  was  something  very  un- 
usual with  him,  concluded  I  would  take  it,  and  suf- 
fered in  consequence. 

This  morning  was  up  early  examining  everything 
on  my  line.  Went  to  each  picket  post,  and  at  some 
points  so  close  you  could  almost  see  the  whites  of 
the  Yankees'  eyes.  The  Yankee  lines  are  in  full 
view,  and  at  night  there  is  constant  firing  between 
the  pickets. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  iqi 

March  i6th,  17th,  22d,  25th,  Petersburg. — Tele- 
graphed this  morning  of  my  welfare.  This  morning 
we  charged  the  enemy's  works  and  captured  them, 
taking  twelve  to  fifteen  pieces  of  artillery,  and  a 
good  many  prisoners,  but  after  taking  their  works 
they  concentrated  a  large  number  of  cannon  upon 
us,  besides  several  times  our  number  of  infantry  and 
we  were  obliged  to  succumb  after  fighting  two  and 
a  half  hours,  and  retire  to  our  breastworks.  My 
loss  was  heavy,  being  478  officers  and  men.  Lieut. 
Barnes  wounded.  As  usual  I  captured  a  horse  to 
ride  during  the  fight,  as  I  could  not  get  mine  over 
the  breastworks.  It  would  have  done  your  heart 
good  to  hear  the  men  cheer  as  I  rode  up  and  down 
the  line  urging  them  to  do  their  duty,  but  would  to 
heaven  this  carnage  was  over  and  I  permitted  to  re- 
tire from  such  scenes  and  live  a  quiet  and  domestic 
life. 

Petersburg,  March  27th. — Am  well,  trust  you 
did  not  hear  the  report  of  my  being  killed.  When 
Gen.  Gordon  saw  me,  he  seemed  very  much  sur- 
prised. Said  he  had  just  sent  a  flag  of  truce  to  re- 
cover my  body,  but  I  was  pleased  to  know  I  had 
brought  myself  off  safe. 

March  28th.— Still  at  Petersburg. 

March  29th,  Petersburg. — Lieut.  Barnes  is  doing 


I02 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


remarkably  well.  Gen.  Cook  had  his  arm  badly 
broken  and  fears  are  entertained  that  it  will  have  to 
be  amputated. 

March  — .  Our  troops  were  to  attack  the  enemy 
this  morning  at  Burgen's  Mills,  and  I  trust  that  they 
may  whip  them.  For  once  I  am  out  of  it,  and  not 
among  the  attacking  party. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  103 

War  Department, 
Richmond,  June   i,   1864. 

Sir: 

You  are  hereby  informed  that  the  President,  by 
and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  has 
appointed  you 


mt 


In  the  Provisional  Army  in  the  service  of  the  Con- 
federate States,  to  rank  as  such  from  the  NINE- 
TEENTH day  of  MAY,  one  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred and  sixty-four. 

Immediately  on  receipt  hereof  please  to  commu- 
nicate to  this  Department,  through  the  Adjutant 
and  Inspector  General's  office,  your  acceptance  or 
non-acceptance  of  said  appointment,  and  with  your 
letter  of  acceptance  return  to  the  Adjutant  and  In- 
spector General  the  OATH  herewith  enclosed,  prop- 
erly filled  up,  subscribed  and  attested,  reporting  at 
the  same  time  your  Age,  Residence,  when  appointed, 
and  the  State  in  which  you  were  Born. 

Should  you  accept,  you  will  report  for  duty  to 
Gen.  R.  E.  Lee,  to  command  late  Daniel's  Brigade, 

James  A.  Seddon, 
Secretary  of  War. 

Brig.  Gen.  Bryan  Grimes,  Covid  'g,  &c.,  RA.C.  S. 


I04         EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


HEADQUARTERS 

Department  Norther:;  Virginia. 
[Extract.] 

Special  Order  ) 

No.  ~.  ( 

III.  Brigadier-General  Bryan  Grimes  is  assigned 
to  the  command  of  Daniel's  old  Brigade,  Rodes' 
Division,  2nd  Army  Corps. 

By  command  of  Gen.  R.  E.  Lee: 

W.  H,  Taylor,  A,  A.  GouraL 
Brig.  Gen.  Grimes,  Comuiand' g,  Sxc. 


MAIOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES. 


lO: 


War  Department, 
Richmond,  February  23d,  1865. 
Sir: 

You  are  hereby  informed  that  the  President,  by 
and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  has 
appointed  you 


In  the  Provisional  Army  in  the  service  of  the  Con- 
federate States,  to  rank  as  such  from  the  Fifteenth 
day  of  February,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
sixty-five. 

Immediately  on  receipt  hereof  please  to  commu- 
nicate to  this  Department  through  the  Adjutant  and 
Inspector  General's  office  your  acceptance  or  non- 
acceptance  of  said  appointment,  and  with  your  let- 
ter of  acceptance  return  to  the  Adjutant  and  In- 
spector General  the  OATH,  herewith  enclosed,  prop- 
erly filled  up,  subscribed  and  attested,  reporting  at 
the  same  time  your  Age,  Residence,  when  appointed, 
and  the  State  in  which  you  were  Born. 

Should  you  accept,  you  will  report  for  duty  to 
Gen.  R.  E.  Lee  to  command  the  late  Gen.  Rodes' 
Division  A.  N.  V. 

John  C.  Breckenridge, 

Secretary  of  War. 
Major-Gen.  Bryan  Grimes,  P.  A.  C.  S. 
14 


I06         EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


HEADQUARTERS 
Department  Northern  Virginia. 
[Extract.] 

Special  Order  ) 

No.  55.  ) 

XV.  Major-General  Bryan  Grimes,  P.  A.  C.  S.,  is 
hereby  assigned  to  the  command  of  Rodes'  old 
Division,  2nd  Corps,  and  will  report  accordingly. 

By  command  of  Gen.  R.  E.  Lee : 

W.   H.  Taylor,  A.  A.  General. 
To  Maj.  Gen.  Bryan  Grimes,  Cojuuiand^ g,  &c. 
Through  Gen.  GORDON. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  io7 

Near  Washington,  N.  C,  Nov.  5th,  1879. 

Major  Jno.  W.  Moore, 

Dear  Sir :  In  compliance  with  your  request,  I 
herewith  transmit  my  recollections  of  the  circum- 
stances attending  the  last  days  of  the  existence  of 
the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  embracing  several 
days  previous  to  the  final  surrender  at  Appomattox 
Court  House. 

On  the  night  of  Saturday,  April  i,  1865,  my  Di- 
vision occupied  a  portion  of  the  defences  around 
the  city  of  Petersburg,  my  left  resting  on  Otey's 
Battery,  near  the  memorable  Crater,  my  right  ex- 
tending to  the  dam  on  a  creek  beyond  Battery  45, 
Ramseur's  old  Brigade  of  North  Carolinians  being 
commanded  by  Col.  W.  R.  Cox,  2nd  North  Carolina, 
holding  appointment  as  temporary  Brigadier ;  on  their 
right  Archer's  Brigade  of  Virginia  Junior  Reserves, 
Grimes'  old  Brigade  of  North  Carolinians,  com- 
manded by  Col.  D.  G.  Cowand,  of  the  32d  North  Caro- 
lina, Battle's  Brigade  of  Alabamians,  commanded  by 
Col.  Hobson  of  5th  Alabama,  Cook's  Brigade  of 
Georgians  commanded  by  Col.  Nash,  extending  to 
the  left  in  the  order  above  named,  numbering  for 
duty  about  2,200  muskets,  covering  at  least  three  and 
a  half  miles  of  the  trenches  around  Petersburg,  with 
one   third  of  my  men   constantly  on  picket  duty  in 


I08  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

our  front,  one  third  kept  awake  at  the  breastworks 
during  the  night,  with  one  third  only  off  duty  at  a 
time,  and  they  required  ahvays  to  sleep  with  their 
accoutrements  on  and  upon  their  arms,  ready  to  re- 
pel an  attack  ^t  a  moment's  warning. 

About  10  o'clock  on  the  night  of  April  i,  1865, 
the  cannonading  from  the  artillery  and  mortars  in 
my  front  became  unusually  severe,  and  at  about  1 1 
o'clock  the  Federals  charged,  capturing  my  picket 
line,  which  consisted  of  pits  dug  in  the  earth  for 
protection  from  sharp  shooters,  and  occupied  by  my 
soldiers  varying  in  distance  from  150  to  300  yards  in 
front  of  our  main  breastworks.  I  took  measures 
immediately  to  re-establish  this  line,  v/hich  was  suc- 
cessfully accomplished,  and  our  pits  re-occupied. 
About  daylight  of  the  2nd  the  enemy  again  drove 
in  our  pickets  and  charged  Rune's  salient  at  the 
point  where  Battle's  Brigade  w^as  posted,  carrying 
the  works  for  a  few  hundred  yards  on  each  side  of 
that  point,  doubling  and  throwing  Cook's  Brigade 
back  a  short  distance.  I  hurried  the  commands  of 
Cols.  Cowand  and  Archer  to  the  point  of  attack  as 
rapidly  as  possible,  charging  the  enemy  who  were 
in  possession  of  and  protected  by  our  traverses  and 
bomb  proops  (which  w^ere  erected  to  prevent  our 
line  being   enfiladed,  and  also  as   a  place  of   refuge 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES. 


109 


from  their  perpendicular  mortar  fire),  and  continued 
gradually  to  regain  traverse  after  traverse  of  our 
captured  works. 

I  then  secured  four  pieces  of  artillery  which  were 
placed  in  our  second  line  of  works,  whose  services 
were  invaluable  in  checking  the  advance  of  the 
enemy,  thus  confining  them  by  grape  and  canister 
to  this  particular  point  at  the  salient,  preventing 
their  advancing  to  attack  our  lines  in  flank  or  rear  ; 
Cook  and  Battle  holding  them  in  check  on  the  left, 
and  Cowand  and  Archer  on  the  right  of  the  cap- 
tured works,  their  only  point  of  egress  being  exposed 
to  the  fire  of  the  artillery. 

I  regret  my  inability  to  recall  the  names  and 
thus  give  honorable  mention  to  those  gallant  artil- 
lerists who  rendered  me  such  effective  service. 

During  the  forenoon  Brigade,  under  com- 
mand   of  Col. ,   reported    to    me    for   duty   and 

were  placed  near  the  artillery  in  this  second  line 
of  earthworks  (w^iich  had  been  constructed  to 
fall  back  upon  in  case  of  disaster)  to  our  first  line. 
My  dispositions  were  soon  made  to  attack  the 
enemy  simultaneously  at  all  points — Cowand 
and  Archer  on  the  right,  Cook  and  Battle  on 
the  left,  who  w^ere  to  drive  them  from  the  pro- 
tection of    their   traverses.     Col.  commanded 


no  EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

in  front  with  a  heavy  Hne  of  skirmishers  connecting 
his  left  with  Cook  and  his  right  with  Cowand.  My 
four  pieces  of  artillery  poured  grape  and  canister 
into  the  enemy,  and  I  gave  the  signal  for  the  in- 
fantry advance,  when  a  general  charge  was  made, 
but  through  a  direct  violation  of  orders  on  the  part 

of  Col.   ,  this  attack   only  partially  succeeded, 

capturing  that  portion  of  the  line  alone  upon  which 

the  skirmishers  advanced,  Col.  having  changed 

the  direction  of  attack,  and  charged  the  point  as- 
signed to  the  skirmishers  on  the  right,  thereby  leav- 
ing a  space  of  three  hundred  yards  unassailed. 
There  is  no  doubt  in  my  mind  if  Col. had  at- 
tacked with  vigor  at  that  time,  we  could  have  driven 
the  enemy  entirely  from  our  works.  After  the  lapse 
of  an  hour,  during  which  time  the  enemy  were 
heavily  reinforced,   I    ordered   another   attack  from 

the  second  line  in  which  Col. participated,  but 

by  again  diverting  his  Brigade  in  the  direction  of 
Cowand's  Brigade,  instead  of  tow^ards  the  salient, 
the  enemy  were  dislodged  from  only  a  small  portion 
of  the  lines. 

Subsequently  sixty  men  of  Johnston's  North 
Carolina  Brigade,  under  command  of  Capt.  Plato 
Durham,  recaptured  Fort  Mahone,  which  for  an 
hour  had  been  so  covered  by  our   fire  as   to  forbid 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  i  i  i 

their  showing  themselves.  In  taking  this  fort  a 
large  number  of  prisoners  were  captured;  so  many 
in  fact,  that  when  I  first  saw  them  skulking  behind 
the  earthworks  for  protection  against  the  fire  of 
their  own  men,  I  feared  it  was  a  ruse  on  the  part  of 
the  enemy  to  surprise  us,  they  having  secreted 
themselves  for  safety  in  this  work,  and  we  in  our 
charge  had  taken  the  only  outlet. 

After  this  no  general  attack  was  made,  though 
we  continued  slowly  but  gradually  to  drive  them 
from  traverse  to  traverse. 

About  nightfall  the  enemy  occupied  some  two 
hundred  yards  of  our  breastworks — through  no  in- 
efificiency  or  negligence  on  the  part  of  the  oiificers 
and  men  were  the  works  carried,  but  owing  to  the 
weakness  of  the  line,  its  extreme  length,  and  the 
want  of  sufficient  force  to  defend  it,  for  they  acted 
most  heroically  on  this  trying  occasion.  Only  one 
unwounded  man  (an  officer)  did  I  see  seeking  the 
rear,  and  he  one  whom  I  had  the  previous  day  or- 
dered under  arrest  for  trafficking  with  the  enemy  (ex- 
changing tobacco  for  coffee).  Him  I  hailed  and  in- 
quired where  he  was  going,  when  he  recalled  his  ar- 
rest the  previous  day,  from  which  I  immediately 
released  him  and  sent  him  back  to  his  command. 

I   had   a  verbal  conference   with   Gen.   Lee  and 


112  EXTRACTS  OF    LETTERS  OF 

afterwards  officially  reported  my  inability  to  hold 
this  point  against  any  vigorous  attack.  In  conse- 
quence of  this  report,  Lieut.-Col.  Peyton,  the  Army 
Inspector,  was  sent  the  day  before  to  examine  this 
line,  who  coincided  with  my  vaews  and  so  reported 
to  Gen.  Lee.  On  an  average  throughout  the  space 
from  man  to  man  was  at  least  eight  feet  in  the  line 
of  trq^iches.  I  doubted  not  that  with  a  reserve  of 
five  hundred  men  I  could  have  driven  the  enemy 
from  any  point  which  they  might  capture,  and  re- 
peatedly urged  that  such  an  arrangement  be  made, 
knowing  well  that  the  enemy  by  concentrating  a 
large  force  on  any  given  point  could  press  their  way 
through  the  line,  and  my  only  salvation  was  in 
having  the  means  at  hand  of  driving  them  back  be- 
fore large  numbers  could  enter.  Our  left  was  the 
post  of  greatest  danger,  there  should  the  reserve 
have  been  placed  ;  but  Gen.  Lee  informed  me  that 
every  available  man  was  on  duty,  and  I  must  do  the 
best  I  could. 

On  Sunday  night  of  the  2nd  we  had  orders  to 
abandon  the  works,  and  without  the  knowledge  of 
the  Federals  we  withdrew  to  the  north  side  of  the 
Appomattox  river,  following  the  Hickory  road  to 
Goode's  bridge,  where  we  recrossed  the  Appomattox, 
proceeding  towards  Amelia  C.  H.,  which  we  reached 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  113 

on  the  morning  of  the  fifth.  Wednesday  we  re- 
mained stationary  in  line  of  battle,  confronting  the 
enemy  until  about  dark,  when  we  followed  the 
army,  bringing  up  the  rear,  being  very  much  im- 
peded on  the  march  by  the  wagon  train  and  its  most 
miserable  mismanagement,  which,  as  I  apprehended, 
would  cause  us  some  disaster.  The  enemy  showed 
themselves  on  Thursday  about  8  o'clock  A.  M.  in 
our  rear  and  on  our  left  flank  when  near  Amelia 
Springs,  and  in  a  short  time  began  to  press  us 
vigorously.. 

I  then  formed  Cox's  and  Cowand's  Brigades  in 
line  of  battle,  with  a  heavy  skirmish  line  in  front  to 
impede  their  progress  and  to  cover  our  rear,  sending 
Battle's,  Cook's  and  Archer's  Brigades  forward  for 
one  half  mile  to  form  there,  across  the  road,  in  line 
of  battle,  in  order  to  allow  Cowand  and  Cox  to  re- 
treat safely  when  the  enemy  had  deployed  and  pre- 
pared to  attack ;  our  right  flank  being  protected  by 
a  North  Carolina  Brigade  of  cavalry  under  General 
Roberts.  In  this  manner  alternating  the  Brigades 
throughout  the  day  we  continued  to  oppose  the 
enemy  and  retreat,  endeavoring  to  protect  the  lag- 
ging wagon  train,  which  was  successfully  done  up  to 
about  4  o'clock  P.  M.,  when  we  approached  Sailor's 
Creek,  and  upon  the  ridge  running  parallel  with  that 
15 


114 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


stream  we  made  the  final  stand  of  the  day,  the 
wagons  becoming  blocked  up  at  the  bridge  crossing 
this  stream.  At  this  point  Gen.  Lee  ordered  me  if 
possible  to  hold  this  line  of  hills  until  he  could  have 
artillery  put  in  position  on  the  opposite  hills  over 
the  creek  parallel  with  those  I  occupied. 

The  enemy  pushed  on  rapidly,  attacking  us  with 
very  great  pertinacity.  We  here  repeatedly  repulsed 
their  assaults,  but  by  turning  both  of  our  flanks  they 
succeeded  in  not  only  dislodging  but  driving  us 
across  the  creek  in  confusion.  About  now  the  ar- 
tillery from  the  heights,  occupied  by  Gen.  Lee, 
opened  upon  the  enemy,  and  the  sun  being  down 
they  did  not  cross  the  creek.  After  we  broke, 
personally  I  was  so  pressed  that  the  space  between 
the  two  wings  of  the  enemy  was  not  over  two  hun- 
dred yards  when  I  sought  safety  in  retreat.  I  gal- 
loped to  the  creek  (the  bridge  being  in  their  pos- 
session) where  the  banks  were  very  precipitous,  and 
for  protection  from  their  murderous  fire  concluded 
to  jump  my  horse  in,  riding  him  through  the  water 
and  effect  my  escape  by  abandoning  him  on  the 
other  side,  the  bullets  of  the  enemy  whistling  around 
me  like  hail  all  the  while.  By  great  good  fortune 
the  opposite  banks  proving  not  so  precipitous  and 
my  horse  seeming  to  appreciate  the  situation,  clamb- 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  115 

ered  up  the  height,  starting  off  in  a  run,  thus  secur- 
ing my  safety.  This  same  animal,  Warren,  I  still 
own  and  treasure  for  his  past  services.  That  night 
we  took  the  road  for  Farmville,  crossing  the  Appo- 
mattox at  High  Bridge,  posting  guards  at  the  south 
side,  thus  collecting  all  stragglers  and  returning 
them  to  their  commands. 

The  next  morning  (Friday)  we  continued  our 
march  down  the  railroad  and  formed  line  of  battle 
on  the  Lynchburg  road,  still  endeavoring  to  preserve 
that  "  impediment  of  Caesar's  " — the  wagon  train — 
marching  by  the  left  flank  through  the  woods  par- 
allel to  the  road  traveled  by  the  wagon  train,  and 
about  one  hundred  or  so  yards  distant  from  the 
road.  Upon  reaching  the  road  and  point  that  turns 
towards  Lynchburg  from  the  Cumberland  road, 
three  of  my  Brigades,  Cook's,  Cox's  and  Cowand's, 
had  crossed  the  Cumberland  road  and  were  in  line 
of  battle,  and  at  right  angles  with  Battle's  and 
Archer's  Brigades,  who  were  still  parallel  with  the 
Cumberland  road.  Heavy  firing  was  going  on  at 
this  point,  when  Gen.  Mahone  came  rushing  up 
and  reported  that  the  enemy  had  charged,  turning 
his  flank,  and  driving  his  men  from  their  guns  and 
the  works  which  he  had  erected  early  in  the  day  for 
the  protection  of  these  cross  roads.     I  then  ordered 


Il6         EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

my  three  Brigades,  Cook's,  Cox's  and  Cowand's  at  a 
doublequick  on  the  line,  with  Battle  and  Archer, 
charging  the  enemy  and  driving  them  well  off  from 
Mahone's  works,  recapturing  the  artillery  taken  by 
them  and  capturing  a  large  number  of  prisoners  and 
holding  this  position  until  sent  for  by  Gen.  Lee, 
w^ho  complimented  the  troops  of  the  Division  upon 
the  charge  made  and  the  service  rendered,  ordering 
me  to  leave  a  skirmish  line  in  my  front  and  that 
Fields'  Division  would  occupy  my  position,  I  to 
hurry  with  all  possible  dispatch  to  the  road  which 
intersected  the  Lynchburg  road,  as  the  enemy's  cav- 
alry were  reported  to  be  approaching  by  that  road. 

We  reached  this  road,  halting  and  keeping  the 
enemy  in  check  until  the  wagons  had  passed,  and 
then  continued  the  march  parallel  with  the  road 
travelled  by  the  wagon  train,  continuing  thus  to 
march  until  night,  when  we  took  the  road  following 
to  protect  the  trains. 

On  Saturday  the  8th  no  enemy  appeared,  and 
we  marched  undisturbed  all  day.  Up  to  this  time 
since  the  evacuation  of  Petersburg  we  had  marched 
day  and  night,  continually  followed  and  harrassed 
by  the  enemy.  The  men  were  very  much  jaded  and 
suffering  for  necessary  sustenance,  our  halts  not 
having  been  suf^ciently  long   to  prepare  their  food, 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  117 

besides  all  of  our  cooking  utensils  not  captured  or 
abandoned  were  where  we  could  not  reach  them. 
This  day  Bushrod  Johnson's  Division  was  assigned 
to  and  placed  under  my  command  by  order  of  Gen. 
Lee.  Upon  passing  a  clear  stream  of  water  and 
learning  that  the  other  Division  of  the  Corps  had 
gone  into  camp  some  two  or  three  miles  ahead,  I 
concluded  to  halt  and  give  my  broken  down  men  an 
opportunity  to  close  up  and  rejoin  us,  and  sent  a 
message  to  Gen.  Gordon,  commanding  the  Corps, 
making  known  my  whereabouts,  informing  him  I 
would  be  at  any  point  he  might  designate  at  any 
hour  desired. 

By  dark  my  men  were  all  quiet  and  asleep.  About 
nine  o'clock  I  heard  the  roar  of  artillery  in  our  front 
and  in  consequence  of  information  reteived  I  had 
my  command  aroused  in  time  and  passed  through 
the  town  of  Appomattox  C.  H.  before  daylight, 
where,  upon  the  opposite  side  of  the  town,  I  found 
the  enemy  in  my  front.  Throwing  out  my  skirmish- 
ers and  forming  line  of  battle,  I  reconnoitered  and 
satisfied  myself  as  to  their  position,  and  awaited  the 
arrival  of  Gen.  Gordon  for  instructions,  who  awhile 
before  day,  accompanied  by  Gen.  Fitz.  Lee,  came 
to  my  position  when  we  held  a  council  of  war. 
Gen.  Gordon  was  of  the  opinion  that  the  troops  in 


Il8         EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

our  front  were  cavalry  and  Gen.  Fitz  Lee  should  at- 
tack. Fitz  Lee  thought  they  were  infantry  and  that 
Gordon  should  attack.  They  discussed  the  matter 
so  long  that  I  became  impatient,  and  said  it  was 
some  one's  duty  to  attack,  and  that  immediately, 
and  I  felt  satisfied  that  they  could  be  driven  from 
cross  roads  occupied  by  them,  which  was  the  route 
it  was  desirable  our  wagon  train  should  pursue,  and 
that  I  would  undertake  it  ;  whereupon  Gordon  said, 
"Well,  drive  them  off."  I  replied,  '*  I  cannot  do  it 
with  my  Division  alone,  but  require  assistance.  He 
then  said,  "  You  can  take  the  other  two  Divisions  of 
the  Corps."  About  this  time  it  was  becoming  suf- 
ficiently light  to  make  the  surrounding  localities  vis- 
ible. I  then  rode  down  and  invited  Gen.  Walker, 
who  commanded  a  Division  on  my  left  composed 
principally  of  Virginians,  to  ride  with  me,  showing 
him  the  position  of  the  enemy  and  explaining  to 
him  my  views  and  plan  of  attack.  He  agreed  v/ith 
me  as  to  its  advisability.  I  did  this  because  I  felt  I 
had  assumed  a  very  great  responsibility  when  I 
took  upon  myself  the  charge  of  making  the  attack. 
I  then  made  dispositions  to  dislodge  the  Federals 
from  their  position,  placing  Bushrod  Johnson's 
Division  upon  my  right,  with  instructions  to  attack 
and    take  the  enemy   in    flank,   while   my  Division 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  ng 

skirmishers  charged  in  front  where  temporary  earth- 
works had  been  thrown  up  by  the  enemy  their  cav- 
alry holding  the  crossings  of  the  road  with  a  bat- 
tery. I  soon  perceived  a  disposition  on  their  part 
to  attack  this  Division  in  flank.  I  rode  back  and 
threw  their  right  so  as  to  take  advantage  of  some 
ditches  and  fences  to  obstruct  the  cavalry  if  the}" 
should  attempt  to  make  a  charge.  In  the  mean- 
time the  cavalry  of  Fitz  Lee  were  proceeding  by  a 
circuitous  route  to  get  in  rear  of  them  at  these  cross 
roads.  The  enemy  observing  me  placing  these 
troops  in  position  fired  upon  me  with  four  pieces  of 
artillery.  I  remember  well  the  appearance  of  the 
shell,  and  how  directly  they  came  towards  me,  ex- 
ploding, and  completely  enveloping  me  in  smoke.  I 
then  gave  the  signal  to  advance,  at  the  same  time 
Fitz  Lee  charged  those  posted  at  the  cross  roads? 
when  my  skirmishers  attacked  the  breastworks 
which  were  taken  without  much  loss  on  my  part, 
also  capturing  several  pieces  of  artillery  and  a  large 
number  of  prisoners,  I  at  the  same  time  moving  the 
Division  up  to  the  support  of  the  skirmishers  in 
echelon  by  Brigades,  driving  the  enmy  in  confusion 
for  three  quarters  of  a  mile  beyond  a  range  of  hills 
covered  with  oak  undergrowth.  I  then  learned  from 
prisoners  that  my  right  flank  was  threat  g  ed.    Halt- 


I20         EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

ing  my  troops  I  placed  the  skirmishers,  commanded 
by  Col.  J.  R.  Winston,  45th  N.  C.  Troops,  in  front 
about  one  hundred  yards  distant,  to  give  notice  of 
indication  of  attack.  Placed  Cox's  Brigade,  which 
occupied  the  right  of  the  Division  at  right  angles  to 
the  other  troops  to  watch  that  flank.  The  other 
Divisions  of  the  Corps  (Walker  and  Evans)  were  on 
the  left.  I  then  sent  an  officer  to  Gen.  Gordon  an- 
nouncing our  success  and  that  the  Lynchburg  road 
was  open  for  the  escape  of  the  wagons,  and  that  I 
awaited  orders.  Thereupon  I  received  an  order  to 
withdraw,  which  I  declined  to  do,  supposing  that 
Gen.  Gordon  did  not  understand  the  commanding 
position  which  my  troops  occupied.  He  continued 
to  send  me  order  after  order  to  the  same  effect 
which  I  still  disregarded,  being  under  the  impres- 
sion that  he  did  not  cemprehend  our  favorable  loca- 
tion, until  finally  I  received  a  message  from  him 
with  an  additional  one  as  coming  from  Gen.  Lee  to 
fall  back.  I  felt  the  difficulty  of  withdrawal  without 
disaster,  and  ordered  Col.  J.  R.  Winston,  command- 
ing the  skirmish  line  which  had  been  posted  in  my 
front  on  reaching  first  these  hills,  to  conform  his  move- 
ments to  those  of  the  Division,  and  to  move  by  the 
left  flank  so  as  to  give  us  notice  of  an  attack  from 
that  quarter.     I   then   ordered  Cox   to  maintain  his 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  121 

position  in  line  of  battle,  and  not  to  show  himself 
until  our  rear  was  100  yards  distant,  and  then  to  fall 
back  in  line  of  battle,  so  as  to  protect  our  rear  and 
right  flank  from  assault.  I  then  instructed  Major 
Peyton,  of  my  staff,  to  start  the  left  in  motion,  and 
I  continued  with  the  rear. 

The  enemy,  upon  seeing  us  move  off,  rushed  out 
from  under  cover  with  a  cheer,  when  Cox's  Brigade, 
lying  concealed  at  the  brow  of  a  hill,  rose  and  fired 
a  volley  into  them,  which  drove  them  back  into  the 
woods,  the  Brigade  then  following  their  retreating 
comrades  in  line  of  battle  unmolested.  After  pro- 
ceeding about  half  the  distance  to  the  position  oc- 
cupied by  us  in  the  morning,  a  dense  mass  of  the 
enemy  in  column  (Infantry)  appeared  on  our  right, 
and  advanced  without  firing  towards  the  earthworks 
captured  by  us  in  the  early  morning,  when  a  Battery 
of  our  artillery  opened  with  grape  and  cannister,  and 
drove  them  under  the  shelter  of  the  woods. 
"  As  my  troops  approached  their  position  of  the 
morning,  I  rode  up  to  General  Gordon  and  asked 
where  I  should  form  line  of  battle.  He  replied, 
''Anywhere  you  choose."  Struck  by  the  strange- 
ness of  the  reply,  I  asked  an  explanation,  whereupon 
he  informed  me  that  we  would  be  surrendered.  I  ex- 
pressed very  forcibly  my  dissent  to  being  surrendered, 
16 


122         EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

and  indignantly  upbraided  him  for  not  giving  me 
notice  of  such  intention,  as  I  could  have  escaped 
with  my  Division  and  joined  Gen.  Joe  Johnston, 
then  in  North  Carolina.  Furthermore,  that  I  should 
then  inform  my  men  of  the  purpose  to  surrender, 
and  that  whomsoever  desired  to  escape  that  calamity 
could  go  with  me,  and  galloped  off  to  carry  this  idea 
into  effect.  Before  reaching  my  troops,  however. 
General  Gordon  overtook  me,  and  placing  his  hand 
on  my  shoulder,  asked  me  if  I  were  going  to  desert 
the  army,  and  tarnish  my  own  honor  as  a  soldier; 
that  it  would  be  a  reflection  upon  General  Lee,  and 
an  indelible  disgrace  to  me,  that  I,  an  officer  of  rank, 
should  escape  under  a  flag  of  truce,  which  was  then 
pending.  I  was  in  a  dilemma,  and  knew  not  what 
to  do,  but  finally  concluded  to  say  nothing  on  the 
subject  to  my  troops. 

Upon  reaching  them,  one  of  the  soldiers  inquired 
if  General  Lee  had  surrendered,  and  upon  answ^ering 
I  feared  it  was  a  fact  that  we  had  been  surrendered, 
he  cast  away  his  musket,  and  holding  his  hands  aloft, 
cried  in  an  agonized  voice,  ^'  Blow,  Gabriel,  blow  ! 
My  God,  let  him  blow,  T  am  ready  to  die  I"  We 
then  went  beyond  the  creek  at  Appomattox  Court 
House,  stacked  arms  amid  the  bitter  tears  of  bronzed 
veterans  regretting  the  necessity  of  capitulation. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  123 

Among  the  incidents,  ever  fresh  in  my  memory,  of 
this  fatal  day  to  the  Confederacy,  is  the  remark  of  a 
private  soldier.  When  riding  up  to  my  old  regiment 
to  shake  by  the  hand  each  comrade  who  had  fol- 
lowed me  through  four  years  of  suffering,  toil,  and 
privation  often  worse  than  death,  to  bid  them  a  final 
affectionate,  and,  in  many  instances,  an  eternal  fare- 
well, a  cadaverous,  ragged,  barefooted  man,  grasped 
me  by  the  hand,  and  choking  vrith  sobs,  said : 
"  Good-bye,  General ;  God  bless  you,  we  will  go 
home,  make  three  more  crops,  and  try  them  again." 
I  mention  this  instance  simply  to  show  the  spirit, 
the  pluck,  and  the  faith  of  our  men  in  the  justice  of 
our  cause,  and  that  he  surrendered  more  to  grim 
famine  than  to  the  prowess  of  our  enemies. 

That  day,  and  the  next,  the  terms  of  surrender 
were  adjusted  :  the  following  day  our  paroles  signed 
and  countersigned  ;  and  on  Wednesday,  April  12th, 
1865,  we  stacked  arms  in  an  old  field,  and  each  man 
sought  his  home  as  best  he  might. 

I  have  given  in  the  above  a  simple,  true,  and  un- 
varnished statement  of  facts,  occurring  during  the 
dying  struggles  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  in 
so  far,  only  as  I  was  an  eye-witness  and  participant 
in  those  events ;  with  no  view  to  laud  my  own 
achievements,  or   seeming   to   seek  an    undeserved 


124 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


honor,  or  to  take  the  least  sprig  of  laurel  from  an- 
other's brow,  but  simply  in  the  interest  of  the  truth 
of  history. 

I  assert  that  I  was  at  Appomattox,  and  that  I 
commanded  my  own  Division  at  Appomattox ;  and 
General  Gordon,  the  Corps  commander,  bears  me 
out  in  this  assertion,  and,  moreover,  states  that  I 
volunteered  my  services;  and  did  make  the  last 
charge  made  by  the  Infantry  at  Appomattox. 
Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

Bryan  Grimes, 
Major-Geiieral  in  late  P.  A.  C.  S. 

Raleigh,  N.  C,   December  20th,  1879. 

To  Gen.  Bryan  Grimes, 

My  Dear  Si?':  I  owe  you  a  thousaiid  thanks 
for  your  full  and  extremely  valuable  letter.  It  ex- 
plains many  things  I  did  not  understand  before,  and 
will  greatly  add  to  the  vindication  of  the  North 
Carolinians  as  to  the  last  sad  hours  of  the  Army  of 
Northern  Virginia.  Pray  excuse  my  delay  in  ac- 
knowledging your  great  kindness,  and  believe  me, 
Very  truly  yours, 
(Signed)  J.  \\\  Moore. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  125 

General    Grimes'    Reply    to    Letter  of    Chas.   C.  Jones,    Jr.,    April 
16,   1872. 

Accept  my  sincere  thanks  for  your  book,  and 
although  as  you  say  local  in  its  character,  have  de- 
rived great  pleasure  from  perusal.  The  mention  of 
Gen.  Colquitt's  name  recalled  some  associations  with 
it.  One  was  that  upon  reaching  Yorktown,  April 
9th,  (1862,)  we  relieved  the  sixth  Georgia  Regiment 
and  established  ourselves  in  Col.  Colquitt's  ''hole  in 
the  ground"  with  a  tent  over  it,  and  in  a  few  days 
found  one  of  the  attendants  of  close  quarters,  and 
my  person  covered  before  we  ever  dreamed  of  such 
pests.  Another  reminiscence  is  having  a  Bible  (in 
my  library  now)  picked  up  on  the  night  of  our  re- 
treat from  Yorktown,  I  having  been  detailed  to 
bring  off  the  pickets.  I  enclose  you  autographs  of 
Generals  Ramseurand  Daniel,  with  his  approval  upon 
application  for  leave  of  absence  while  near  Orange 
Court  House  ;  also  a  paper  addressed  to  Col.  Taylor, 
I  suppose  upon  which  I  made  this  application.  I 
have  fragments  and  skeletons  of  reports  made  of 
different  engagements — Gettysburg,  last  few  days  of 
the  war,  from  breaking  of  our  lines  at  Petersburg  to 
the  morning  of  surrender  at  Appomattox  Court 
House,  and  some  others.  The  last  infantry  charge 
by  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  was  made  by  my 


126  EXTRA    TS  OF  LETTERS  OP^ 

Division,  as  General  Gordon,  our  Corps  commander, 
will  substantiate.  The  form  of  parole  for  General 
Johnston's  troops  was  taken  from  my  papers,  bor- 
rowed by  Col.  Wherry,  Gen.  Schofleld's  Adjutant 
General  or  Aid-de-Camp,  to  guide  Schofield  in  ad- 
justing this  matter.  By-the-by,  Generals  Sherman, 
Schofield,  Terry,  Bevis,  ct  id  oinne  genus,  had  a  cham- 
pagne drinking  in  Raleigh  just  after  Johnston's  sur- 
render, and  sent  this  same  Col.  Wherry  over,  to  in- 
vite me  to  join  them,  which  I  most  indignantly  de- 
clined. That  evening  we  heard  of  Lincoln's  assassina- 
tion. Reminiscences  of  the  past  crowd  upon  me,  and 
however  pleasant,  or  rather  unpleasant,  may  not 
prove  agreeable  to  you,  and  if  I  do  not  halt  will  ex- 
haust my  paper  before  I  have  given  you  information 
asked  for.  You  can  procure  all  information  relative 
to  General  Ramseur  from  Capt.  Richmond,  (Aid-de- 
Camp  to  Gen.  R.,)  Milton,  N.  C.  I  wrote  to  Mr. 
Richmond  a  few  weeks  ago,  and  received  no  reply. 
If  you  do  not  hear  from  him,  then  address  Hon.  D. 
Schenck,  Lincolnton,  N.  C,  who  married  Gen.  R.'s 
sister.  Ramseur  married  his  first  cousin  (Richmond's 
sister).  Hon.  E.  Conigland,  Halifax,  N.  C,  will 
cheerfully  give  you  all  information  relative  to  his 
brother-in-law.  General  Daniel.  William  E.  Ander- 
son, President  Citizens  National    Bank,  Raleigh,  can 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  127 

tell  you  everything  about  his  brother,  Gen.  G.  B. 
Anderson.  You  ask  nothing  of  my  dear  friends 
and  relativ^es,  J.  J.  Pettigrew  and  L.  O'B.  Branch, 
the  first  killed  at  Falling  Waters  upon  the  retreat 
from  Pennsylvania,  the  latter  killed  at  Sharpsburg. 
You  perhaps  regard  Pettigrew  as  a  South  Caro- 
linian. We  claim  him.  He  is  a  native,  and  was 
educated  in  the  State,  was  Colonel  of  a  North  Car- 
olina Regiment,  and  commanded  a  North  Carolina 
Brigade  at  time  of  his  death.  Rev.  W.  S.  Petti- 
grew, Henderson,  N.  C,  will  give  you  all  particulars 
relative  to  him,  and  Mrs.  L.  O'B.  Branch,  Raleigh, 
or  son  W.  A.  B.  Branch,  Washington,  N.  C,  will 
take  pleasure  in  communicating  all  facts  relative  to 
Gen.  Branch.  There  is  Gen.  Pender  whose  widow 
and  brother  live  in  Tarboro,  N.  C.  Pender  I  knew 
but  slightly,  only  after  the  war  commenced,  the 
others  were  life-long  acquaintances  and  friends  from 
childhood.  I  think  it  probable  I  shall  revisit  New 
York  on  the  4th  or  5th  of  May  and  stop  at  the  St. 
Nicholas.  I  can,  if  of  service  to  you,  send  you  a 
roster  of  all  the  Regiments  and  field  officers  from 
North  Carolina. 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

Bryan  Grimes. 


128  EXTRACTS  OF  TETTERS  OF 

[Letter  from  Gen.  J.  B.  Gordon.] 

New  York,  May  6th,  1872. 

Gen.  Bryan  Grimes,  N.  C.  : 

My  Dear  General  :  Yours  asking  my  recollec- 
tion of  the  participation  of  your  Division  in  the  last 
day's  battle  at  Appomattox  C.  H.  would  have  been 
answered  before  I  left  my  home  in  Georgia,  but  for 
circumstances  beyond  my  control.  It  is  a  source  of 
pleasure  to  me  not  only  to  do  this  but  also  to  ex- 
press my  sincere  appreciation  of  your  valuable  ser- 
vices during  that  portion  of  the  war  when  it  was 
my  fortune  to  command  the  2nd  Corps  Army  North- 
ern Virginia,  to  which  your  Division  was  attached. 
When  I  was  first  placed  in  command  of  the  Corps 
in  the  Fall  of  1864  at  or  near  Petersburg,  you  will 
remember  that  you  were  detached  from  the  other 
Divisions  and  did  not  join  them  until  a  short  time 
before  the  attack  upon  Gen.  Grant's  lines  in  front 
of  Petersburg.  You  participated  in  the  battles  then 
and  during  the  terrible  days  and  nights  which  fol- 
lowed prior  to  and  after  the  breaking  of  our  lines 
by  Grant's  army,  as  well  as  upon  the  retreat.  But 
it  is  of  the  last  fight  of  the  army  of  Northern  Vir- 
ginia in  which  you  bore  so  coiispiciioiis  a  part  at  Ap- 
pomattox C.  H.  that  you  ask  my  recollections.     It 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN   GRIMES.  129 

would  be  difficult,  my  dear  General,  to  forget  your 
anxiety  to  ^et  your  Division  well  up  and  compact 
on  the  evening  of  the  8th  of  April,  the  day  preced- 
ing that  last  battle  and  the  final  surrender  of  the 
army,  as  well  as  your  assurance  to  me  that  if  al- 
lowed to  rest  and  gather  up  your  broken  down  men, 
}^ou  would  be  on  hand  at  any  time  during  the  night 
of  the  8th  or  morning  of  the  9th,  to  take  part  in  any 
movement  which  might  be  ordered.  My  consent 
you  will  remember  was  obtained  that  you  should  go 
into  camp  and  rest  your  men,  but  before  day  on  the 
morning  of  the  9th  of  April,  you  were  at  the  front 
ready  to  participate  with  your  Division  in  the  last 
effort  ever  to  be  made  by  the  army  of  Gen.  Lee. 

The  plan  agreed  upon  at  the  counsel  of  war  held 
at  Gen.  Lee's  Headquarters  during  the  night  of  the 
8th  between  Gen.  Lee,  Gen.  Pendleton  commanding 
the  artillery,  Gen.  Fitz  Hugh  Lee  commanding  the 
cavalry.  Gen.  Longstreet  and  myself  who  com- 
manded the  two  wings  of  his  army,  was  this :  My 
command,  consisting  of  about  one  half  of  the  army, 
with  the  cavalry,  was  to  attack  the  enemy's  cavalry 
in  front  of  Appomattox  C.  H.,  and  attempt  to  cut 
a  way  out,  and  Longstreet  and  the  artillery  not  en- 
gaged with  my  command  and  the  wagon  train,  was 
to  follow.  It  was  supposed  that  nothing  more  than 
17 


I30 


EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 


the  enemy's  cavalry  was  in  our  front,  and  though 
largely  outnumbering  the  whole  of  my  command 
and  the  cavalry  of  Gen.  Lee,  yet  it  was  supposed,  as 
the  result  proved,  that  Sheridan's  cavalry  could  be 
beaten  back.  It  was  during  the  preparation  for  this 
final  move  in  the  early  morning  of  the  9th,  that  you 
offered  to  make  the  attack  in  front. 

Your  Division  with  the  other  troops  were  placed 
in  line  while  Gen.  Fitz  Hugh  Lee's  cavalry  moved 
to  our  right.  The  attack  was  made  and  proved  emi- 
nently successful,  resulting  in  the  capture  of  the 
enemy's  works  which  he  had  temporarily  thrown  up 
in  our  front,  and  the  taking  of  six  pieces  (I  think) 
of  his  artillery.  You  were  not  halted  for  a  consid- 
erable time  but  pressed  steadily  forward  to  the  front, 
until  I  ordered  you  to  rear,  upon  receiving  intelli- 
gence from  Gen.  R.  E.  Lee  that  a  flag  of  truce  was 
in  existence  between  himself  and  Gen.  Grant,  and 
upon  the  appearance  and  advance  of  heavy  bodies 
of  infantry  upon  both  our  flanks.  Your  indisposi- 
tion to  retreat  then,  and  your  anxiety  to  go  on,  was 
manifest  ;  but  I  knew  more  of  the  situation  than 
you  did,  and  in  accordance  with  the  understanding 
at  the  counsel  of  war  the  night  previous,  the  ap- 
pearance of  these  large  bodies  of  the  enemy's  in- 
fantry, and   the   impossibility   of  Gen.   Longstreet's 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES. 


31 


moving  up,  the  constantly  increasing  distance  be- 
tween us,  and  the  pressing  of  the  enemy's  force  into 
this  space,  it  was  necessary  for  me  to  notify  Gen. 
Lee  of  the  situation  then,  and  these  circumstances 
rendered  resistance  for  any  positive  advantage  use- 
less, and   loss  of  life  by  our   brave   men  of  no  avail. 

On  the  receipt  of  the  note  from  Gen.  Lee  I  or- 
dered you  to  the  rear,  and  notified  Gen.  Sheridan  of 
the  existence  of  a  ''  Flag  of  Truce,"  who  insisted 
upon  the  separate  surrender  of  my  command  to  him, 
which  I  refused.  It  was  at  this  time  you  asked  me 
what  the  meaning  was  of  my  instructions  to  you  to 
put  your  men  in  any  position  you  could  select,  and 
suggested  that  I  permit  you  to  return  to  the  front. 
It  was  very  painful  to  announce  to  you  and  to  the 
troops  the  surrender  of  the  army,  and  when  you 
were  made  aware  of  it,  you  expressed  your  regret 
that  I  had  not  informed  you  while  you  were  in  front, 
that  you  might  have  made  the  effort  to  escape  with 
your  command. 

I  was  touched,  General,  by  your  indisposition  to 
meet  this  dreaded  ordeal,  as  I  was  by  the  grief,  the 
anguish  of  all  our  brave  men,  but  it  was  all  over — 
all  was  done  that  could  be  done  by  the  army,  and 
any  escape  of  small  bodies  of  troops  would  have 
been  charged   as   treachery  on   Gen.  Lee's  part  to- 


132         EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

ward  Gen.  Grant,  from  whose  overwhelming  forces 
it  was  impossible  now  to  extricate  the  remnant  of 
the  "  Army  of  Northern  Virginia."  This  occasion 
was  the  most  trying  one  of  all  our  lives  ;  but,  Gen- 
eral, the  ungenerous  effort  to  humiliate  us  since  the 
war,  by  the  strong  arm  of  power,  has  made  upon  my 
heart,  and  doubtless  upon  yours,  a  more  ineffaceable 
impression  than  all  else  connected  with  our  past  his- 
tory. We  were  entitled  to  honorable,  magnanimous 
legislation  by  the  General  Government ;  but  the 
purposes  of  the  party  in  power  have  sedmed  to  be 
only  to  irritate  by  proscrlptive  laws,  and  drive  us  to 
desperation  by  the  support  of  those  forced  in  power 
over  us,  who  in  the  name  of  Law  have  robbed  ws,  in 
the  name  of  Liberty  have  inaugurated  the  rule  of 
the  Bayonet,  arrested  and  imprisoned  the  innocent, 
and  gloated  in  the  oppression  of  our  citizens. 

May  the  God   of  Righteousness  bring   us  deliv- 
erance. 

Most  truly  your  friend, 

(Signed)  J.  B.  GORDON. 

Major-Gcn.  GRIMES,  N.  C. 

On  page  95   of  Col.  Walter  H.  Taylor's  book  en- 
titled "  Four  Years  with  General  Lee,"  (which  book 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  133 

is  now  in   Gen.  Grimes'  library,)  the  first  section  is 
marked  thus  :}:  and  reads  as  follows : 

''  General  Lee  witnessed  the  flight  of  the  Fed- 
erals through  Gettysburg  and  up  the  hills  beyond. 
He  then  directed  me  to  go  to  General  Ewell  and  to 
say  to  him,  that  from  the  position  which  he  occu- 
pied he  could  see  the  enemy  retreating  over  those 
hills  without  organization  and  in  great  confusion, 
that  it  was  only  necessary  to  press  ''those  people  " 
in  order  to  secure  possession  of  the  heights,  and 
that,  if  possible,  he  wished  him  to  do  this.  In  obe- 
dience to  these  instructions,  I  proceeded  immedi- 
ately to  General  Ewell  and  delivered  the  order  of 
General  Lee  ;  and  after  receiving  from  him  some 
message  for  the  commanding  general  in  regard  to 
the  prisoners  captured,  returned  to  the  latter  and 
reported  that  his  order  had  been  delivered." 

All  around  the  margin  of  this  page  appears  the 
following  in  pencil,  and  written  in  Gen.  Grimes'  own 
handwriting: 

"  I  was  in  the  lead  and  saw  the  first  pieces  of  ar- 
tillery, two  in  number,  making  for  this  hill.  The 
enemy  were  routed  and  retreating  in  great  confusion. 
Gen.  Ramseur,  with  my  regiment  in  advance,  were 
rushing  up,  and  following  the  enemy,  and  without 
the    slightest  doubt  in   my  mind,  could   have   cap- 


134         EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

tured  these  guns  and  occupied  the  hill,  but  an  officer 
of  rank  rode  up  and  advised  that  we  await  rein- 
forcements, which  was  done,  and  we  were  drawn 
back  to  the  main  street  of  Gettysburg,  and  there 
remained,  without  firing  a  shot  the  whole  evening — 
several  hours  of  dayHght." 

Gen.  Ramseur  says  in  his  report  of  the  battle  of 
Gettysburg,  (see  Southern   Historical   Papers. —  C.)  : 

"The  enemy  was  pushed  through  Gettysburg  to 
the  heights  beyond,  v/hen  I  received  an  order  to  halt 
and  form  line  of  battle  in  a  street  in  Gettysburg 
running  east  and  west. 

''  To  Colonel  Parker,  3pth  North  Carolina ;  Col- 
onel Bennett,  19th  North  Carolina  ;  Colonel  Grimes, 
4th  North  Carolina,  and  Major  Hurt,  2nd  North 
Crrolina,  my  thanks  are  due  for  skill  and  gallantry 
displayed  by  them  in  this  day's  fight." 

General  Grimes  received  a  copy  of  Moore's  His- 
tory of  North  Carolina  only  a  few  days  before  his 
death,  and  had  but  little  opportunity  to  examine  it, 
and  had  only  read  disconnected  parts  of  it. 

On  page  170,  Vol.  H,  in  the  two  last  lines  of  said 
page  he  makes  the  following  corrections:  Erases 
"Twelfth,  Colonel  Daniel,"  and  writes,  "  Fourteenth, 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  GRIMES.  135 

Col.  R.  T.  Bennett  ;"  and  erases  ''  Twentieth,  Col.  T. 
F.  Toon,"  and  writes  "  Thirty-seventh,  Col.  F.  M. 
Parker." 

On  page  190,  Vol.  II,  on  the  left  margin  of  said 
page,  appears  the  following  written  also  in  pencil  in 
his  own  handwriting : 

"  I  commanded  Anderson's  Brigade  at  this  bat- 
tle, consisting  of  the  2nd,  4th,  14th  and  30th  Regi- 
ments of  N.  C.  Troops.  Bryan  Grimes." 

On  page  259,  Vol.  II,  Major  Moore  in  describing 
Gen.  Lee  leading  the  charge  in  person  at  the  battle 
of  Spottsylvania  C.  H.,  places  the  date  of  this  charge 
in  person  by  Gen.  Lee  on  the  morning  of  the  loth 
of  May. 

On  the  right  margin  of  said  page  is  written  in 
pencil  :  ''  It  was  on  the  5th  May  that  Gen.  Lee  led 
the  charge  in  person." 

On  page  260,  Vol.  II,  Major  Moore  says:  ''Con- 
spicuous in  this  charge  was  the  youthful  and  slender 
form  of  Brigadier-General  Stephen  D.  Ramseur,  of 
Lincoln  county.  North  Carolina."  On  the  left  mar- 
gin of  said  page  is  written  in  pencil :  '*  This  charge 
was  led  by  Col.  Bryan  Grimes,  commanding  Ram- 
seur's  Brigade,  Ramseur  being  disabled  by  a  wound." 


136         EXTRACTS  OF  LETTERS  OF 

[About  the  time  the  printing  of  this  book  was  nearly  completed  the 
following  was  found  in  a  book  in  Gen.  Grimes'  library-,  in  his  own 
handwriting,  and  is  given  here  exactly  as  it  is  written. — C.] 

Ewell's  Corps,  composed  of  Rodes,  Early  and 
Johnson's  commands,  surprised  Gen.  Milroy.  We 
drove  the  enemy's  cavalry  from  the  summit,  and 
ousted  them  to  intercept  the  retreat  of  the  enemy 
from  Winchester.  Captured  the  cavalry  camp  at 
Berryville.  We  moved  down  to  Martinsburg  and 
drove  the  enemy  into  and  through  the  town,  taking 
several  pieces  of  artillery  and  700  prisoners.  Then 
moved  up  and  crossed  the  Potomac  river  at  Wil- 
liamsport.  Occupied  Chambersburg  on  23rd  of  June, 
1863.  Was  Provost  Marshal  of  Hagerstown.  There 
we  spent  several  days,  and  then  moved  to  Cham- 
bersburg. Insidious  talk  of  man  of  Company  A  ; 
turned  him  over  to  his  own  men  for  punishment. 
Sent  to  Carlisle  within  eight  miles  of  Harrisburg  on 
picket  duty.  Headquarters  in  brick  house.  Woman's 
remark  about  Quartermaster.  Regiment  quartered 
in  a  very  large  house.  Saw  the  Perry  militia  coming 
out  with  their  high  sugar-loaf  hats.  Put  a  portion 
of  my  picket  in  ambush,  allowing  militia  to  pass, 
susprising  them  in  front,  and  shooting  in  their 
rear.  Supplied  my  men  with  their  hats,  which  fell 
off    in  their  confusion.     Their    stampede    through 


MAJOR-GENERAL  BRYAN  CRIMES.  137 

Harrlsbiirg-,  through  the  wheat  fields.  Here  tasted 
for  the  first  time  Plantation  Bitters,  taken  from  the 
pocket  of  a  dead  Federal.  We  stampeded  all  of  them, 
about  500.  Killed  and  wounded  many.  Captured 
many  horses  without  having  a  man  wounded.  Were 
nearer  Harrisburg  than  perhaps  any  troops  except 
cavalry  scouts.  Severity  of  orders  against  plunder- 
ing the  inhabitants.  Punishment  of  men  who  went 
in  a  house  and  took  jewelry.  The  rest  of  our  Brig- 
ade occupied  the  U.  S.  Barracks.  ?^Iove  towards 
Gettysburg.  Rode  in  ambulance  all  the  time,  ex- 
cept when  expecting  an  engagement,  owing  to  in- 
jury on  my  foot. 


ERRATA. 


Page  I,  line  i6,  should  read,  "as  far  as  he  had  executed  it." 
Page  lo,  line  7,  should  read,  "  were  repeated  "  in  place  of  "  \vire> 

repeated." 

Page  15,  line  4,  should  read,  "pinned"  instead  of  "penned." 
Page  52,  line  22,  should  read,  "  which  broke   and  ran"  for  "  who 

brc^e  and  run." 

Page  67,  line  21,  should  read,  "  Capt.  Stitt  "  instead  of  "  Still." 
Page  67,  line  23,   should   read,    "one   of   niy  couriers  (Sherwood 

Badger.)" 

Page  68,  line  iS,  should  read,  "Capt.  Stitt"  instead  of  "Still." 
Page  72,  line  13,  should  read,  "able  to  hobble  along"  instead  of 

"  unable,"  &c. 

Page  80,  line  16,  should  read,  "  march"  for  "  March." 
Page  117,  line  6,  should  read,  "  Divisions  "  for  "  Division." 
There   are  a  few  typographical  errors  \\hich  will  readily  suggest 

themselves  to  the  reader. 


